Summary:
The two middle schools in Big Spring, Texas, part of the Big Spring Independent School District (Isd), serve grades 5 through 8 with a combined enrollment of 1,012 students in a community where over two-thirds of students face economic disadvantage.
Big Spring Intermediate (grades 5-6) and Big Spring J H (grades 7-8) present contrasting profiles. Big Spring J H stands out for its exceptional Algebra I program, where 95.65% of students were proficient in 2025-2026—far exceeding district and state averages. However, this success masks deep struggles: only 13.99% of 7th graders met math standards, and the school ranks in the bottom 25th percentile statewide. Big Spring Intermediate shows a concerning decline in 6th-grade math proficiency, dropping from 38.32% to 28.76% year-over-year, though 5th-grade reading improved slightly to 47.15%. Social studies is a universal weakness, with only 18-20% of 8th graders proficient at Big Spring J H.
Key metrics reveal resource disparities: Big Spring J H spends $10,829 per student with a lower student-teacher ratio (11.3:1) compared to Big Spring Intermediate's $10,250 and 14.1:1 ratio. Despite higher spending, Big Spring J H's overall scores remain low, suggesting economic challenges outweigh resource advantages. The district faces a critical transition problem—students leave Big Spring Intermediate with moderate skills but struggle severely in 7th-grade math at Big Spring J H. The bright spot is Big Spring J H's low dropout rate (0.4% vs. district 1.6%), indicating strong retention even as academic proficiency lags. Parents should note the stark divide between advanced programs and general education, and the urgent need for improved math and social studies instruction across both schools.
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