Summary:
The city of Hico, Texas, is served by the Hico Independent School District (Isd), which includes two schools: Hico High School (grades 6-12) and Hico Elementary (Pre-K through 5th grade), with a combined enrollment of 627 students.
The district presents a clear contrast between its two schools. Hico High School is a standout, earning a 4-star rating for the past two years and ranking in the 77th percentile among Texas high schools. It boasts a 94.9% graduation rate, a 0.0% dropout rate, and outperforms the state average in every End-of-Course exam, including Algebra I, Biology, and English. In contrast, Hico Elementary struggles with a consistent 2-star rating and test scores that are almost universally below state averages, particularly in mathematics where proficiency rates in grades 3-5 range from 27% to 36%. This performance gap is notable, especially given that the high school spends significantly more per student ($15,794) compared to the elementary school ($11,034).
Despite the elementary school's challenges, Hico High School demonstrates a strong "value-add" by successfully accelerating students who may enter with academic gaps. Reading is a consistent strength across the district, with the high school's English scores well above state averages and even the elementary school exceeding the state average in 4th-grade reading (67.86% vs. 53.73%). The high school's upward trajectory—jumping from a 3-star to a 4-star rating—suggests effective improvement strategies, while the elementary school's math weakness remains a critical area for focus. Overall, parents should note that while the elementary school needs improvement, the high school provides an excellent environment for academic growth and college preparation.
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