Summary:
The city of Refugio, Texas, is served by the Refugio Independent School District (Isd), which operates three public schools—Refugio Elementary, Refugio J H, and Refugio High School—serving a total of 656 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district ranks in the 29th percentile statewide, and a majority of students across all schools qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a predominantly low-income community.
Refugio High School is the clear standout, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 53rd percentile among Texas high schools. It boasts a 97.8% graduation rate, a 0% dropout rate, and exceeds state averages in English II Reading and U.S. History. In contrast, Refugio Elementary consistently receives a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom quartile, with most test scores falling well below state averages—for example, only 24% of 3rd graders were proficient in math compared to 44% statewide. Refugio J H shows mixed results: while general math and reading scores for 6th and 7th graders are very low, its advanced math program is exceptional, with 92% of 8th graders taking Algebra I achieving proficiency, far exceeding the state average of 54%.
A key takeaway is the "Algebra I paradox": the middle school excels at preparing top students for advanced math, yet the high school struggles with Algebra I, where only 28% of students are proficient. Additionally, the district spends a high amount per student—$20,764 at the high school—but this investment does not consistently translate into strong academic outcomes, especially at the elementary and middle school levels. Despite these challenges, Refugio High School serves as a beacon of hope, effectively retaining students and preparing them for graduation, particularly in reading and history.
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