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About CHISD Home

Banner with the words 'Welcome to Chapel Hill ISD' and images of students.

Chapel Hill ISD is dedicated to providing a well rounded education for our students. The District was established in the 1950-1951 school year.   

Currently, CHISD serves a student body of almost 3,200 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. The district is rated as 4A Division 1 by the University Interscholastic League. The District is located in eastern Smith County, Texas and covers 118 square miles, which includes a small portion of the City of Tyler, the University of Texas at Tyler, the community of Jackson, and the city of New Chapel Hill. 

Chapel Hill ISD is home to five campuses, each carrying its own story while contributing to a shared legacy of education and community pride. Wise Elementary, opened in 1985, serves students in Pre-K through 3rd grade. It is named in honor of long-serving educator Lillie Wise, who dedicated decades to the district. With a focus on early literacy and foundational skills, Wise welcomes hundreds of students each year and continues to grow with classroom additions funded through the 2023 bond.

Jackson Elementary, built in 1960, holds deep historical significance as the former Jackson School that served Black students prior to desegregation. Today, it serves Pre-K through 3rd grade and stands as a reminder of the district’s journey from segregation to unity. Like Wise, Jackson is also expanding through bond-funded renovations designed to improve safety and modern learning spaces.

Kissam Intermediate, named for former Superintendent C.E. “Doc” Kissam, was constructed in 1974 and now serves the district’s 4th-6th graders. Known for bridging elementary and secondary education, Kissam emphasizes academic preparedness and character building, providing a crucial foundation before junior high.

Chapel Hill Junior High was also built in 1974 and has long shared property with the high school. Serving 7th and 8th grade students, the junior high is now in its biggest transformation yet: relocation to a new 37-acre site, made possible by the 2023 bond. The new facility will provide expanded classrooms, labs, fine arts spaces, and athletic facilities to meet the needs of today’s students.

Finally, Chapel Hill High School—home of the Bulldogs—has grown dramatically since its first graduating class of 12 in 1951. Now serving over 900 students, the high school offers a full range of academic, athletic, and fine arts programs, including the innovative Academies of Chapel Hill model supported by a new Career & Technical Education facility.

 

A young man smiles proudly with his cow at a livestock show.

  • Our mission is to educate ALL children so they can successfully compete in an ever-changing world. Our vision to shape the future, one child at a time, the Chapel Hill way!
  • Through our holistic approach, we aim to shape the future by unlocking the potential of each child, instilling in them a lifelong love for learning, and preparing them to contribute positively to their communities and beyond.

    View our District of Innovation Efforts

A group of people stand and place their hands over their hearts during a ceremony.

  • Every student has the right to the highest quality education provided in a nurturing, safe, and orderly learning environment.
  • We hold ourselves accountable to every student in our district.
  • Education flourishes in an environment where high standards of character and the development of citizenship are promoted.
  • Education is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders - students, educators, parents, and community.
  • We believe the development of citizenship in all students is essential to a complete education.
  • We believe the development of leadership throughout the organization is critical to our success.
  • All students can and will learn.
  • Learning is enhanced by passionate and highly qualified educators who pursue expertise in their fields and are highly valued by the entire community.
    ​​​​​​​
    View our District's Strategic Plan

​​​​​​​

A young woman smiles and signs in front of a banner that reads 'Freshman Academy' and 'Believe and Achieve.'

  • The purpose of The Academies is to achieve the District’s vision and mission for all students. Supported by Tyler Junior College and University of Texas in Tyler, this model aligns with state initiatives to provide every student with the foundation of knowledge, skills, and character necessary to excel in higher education, work, and life.
     

Academies of Chapel Hill Booklet

A young man plays the euphonium during a musical performance.

  • The 85th Texas Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 22, establishing three domains for measuring the academic performance of districts and campuses: 
  • Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps.
  • Chapel Hill ISD received a district accountability grade of “B” for the 2021-2022 school year, an overall “Met Standard Rating.”

View our Accountability Report

View our Improvement Plans

A man in a blue polo shirt with a basketball logo and a bulldog mascot smiles and makes a hand gesture.

We are proud to be a united district, where strength lies in our shared vision, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of community.

  • Mascot: Bulldog
  • District Colors: Blue and Yellow
  • Hand Sign: Our district's hand sign is a unique and powerful symbol that embodies our collective pride, unity, and spirit.
     

View our Branding Guide and Logos

  • A young man smiles proudly with his cow at a livestock show.

    • Our mission is to educate ALL children so they can successfully compete in an ever-changing world. Our vision to shape the future, one child at a time, the Chapel Hill way!
    • Through our holistic approach, we aim to shape the future by unlocking the potential of each child, instilling in them a lifelong love for learning, and preparing them to contribute positively to their communities and beyond.

      View our District of Innovation Efforts

  • A group of people stand and place their hands over their hearts during a ceremony.

    • Every student has the right to the highest quality education provided in a nurturing, safe, and orderly learning environment.
    • We hold ourselves accountable to every student in our district.
    • Education flourishes in an environment where high standards of character and the development of citizenship are promoted.
    • Education is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders - students, educators, parents, and community.
    • We believe the development of citizenship in all students is essential to a complete education.
    • We believe the development of leadership throughout the organization is critical to our success.
    • All students can and will learn.
    • Learning is enhanced by passionate and highly qualified educators who pursue expertise in their fields and are highly valued by the entire community.
      ​​​​​​​
      View our District's Strategic Plan

    ​​​​​​​

  • A young woman smiles and signs in front of a banner that reads 'Freshman Academy' and 'Believe and Achieve.'

    • The purpose of The Academies is to achieve the District’s vision and mission for all students. Supported by Tyler Junior College and University of Texas in Tyler, this model aligns with state initiatives to provide every student with the foundation of knowledge, skills, and character necessary to excel in higher education, work, and life.
       

    Academies of Chapel Hill Booklet

  • A young man plays the euphonium during a musical performance.

    • The 85th Texas Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 22, establishing three domains for measuring the academic performance of districts and campuses: 
    • Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps.
    • Chapel Hill ISD received a district accountability grade of “B” for the 2021-2022 school year, an overall “Met Standard Rating.”

    View our Accountability Report

    View our Improvement Plans

  • A man in a blue polo shirt with a basketball logo and a bulldog mascot smiles and makes a hand gesture.

    We are proud to be a united district, where strength lies in our shared vision, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of community.

    • Mascot: Bulldog
    • District Colors: Blue and Yellow
    • Hand Sign: Our district's hand sign is a unique and powerful symbol that embodies our collective pride, unity, and spirit.
       

    View our Branding Guide and Logos