Summary
Kazen Elementary in Laredo, TX, is a public PK-5 school in the United Independent School District (Isd) that serves 367 students and has earned a 5-star rating by ranking in the 95th percentile statewide, making it a standout in a community where nearly 87% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
What truly sets Kazen apart is its exceptional performance with students from low-income backgrounds, ranking in the 99th percentile for this group—a remarkable achievement that far exceeds nearby schools. For example, Clark Elementary, with a similar poverty rate, ranks only in the 65th percentile overall. Kazen also shines in mathematics, with 5th-grade proficiency rates nearly 40 percentage points higher than the district average and almost double the state average. This success is consistent across all student groups, including Hispanic students, English Language Learners, and Special Education students, all ranking in the 96th percentile or higher. The school’s resilience is evident in its rebound from a pandemic-era dip to the 98th percentile in 2024-2025, and its efficient spending ($12,084 per student) suggests resources are used effectively to drive achievement.
A fascinating comparison is with Finley Elementary, located just 0.23 miles away on the same street. Despite serving similar student populations, Finley ranks in the 25th percentile, highlighting that the difference lies in school leadership and culture, not demographics. While Kazen excels in English-language STAAR tests, its Spanish-language test scores are notably low, indicating a potential area for focus. Overall, Kazen serves as a powerful model within the district, proving that high-poverty schools can achieve elite academic outcomes.
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