At the time it provided education for children of local farmers, small business owners and settlers around the railroad just outside Dallas, TX.

In recent times RISD has been rated as "Recognized" by the Texas Education Agency for many years in a row.

RISD is the largest, most racially and socioeconomically diverse district in Texas to receive a rating this high.

RISD and Houston ISD leads the state in schools named to the Honor Roll.

The student body at the schools served by Richardson Independent School District is 30% White, 22.4% Black, 6.9% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 37.3% Hispanic/Latino, 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.