Summary:
The Linden-Kildare Consolidated Independent School District is a small, rural district in Texas serving approximately 617 students across three schools: Linden Elementary (grades PK-5), Mae Luster Stephens J H (grades 6-8), and Linden-Kildare High School (grades 9-12).
The district presents a striking contrast in performance. Linden-Kildare High School is the clear standout, ranking in the 59th percentile statewide with a 92.7% graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate. It consistently meets or exceeds state averages in core subjects like English and Biology. In contrast, Linden Elementary and Mae Luster Stephens J H are ranked in the bottom 15% of Texas schools, with test scores far below state averages, particularly in mathematics. For example, only 10.81% of 5th graders at the elementary school were proficient in math, and 0% of 7th graders at the middle school achieved proficiency. This suggests the high school has a particularly effective model for accelerating student learning.
Mathematics is a district-wide crisis at the lower levels, though a small group of 8th graders at the middle school achieved 100% proficiency on the Algebra I exam, likely due to only the top students taking the test. Despite high per-student spending (up to $14,358) and excellent student-teacher ratios (under 12:1), the elementary and middle schools struggle deeply. The key takeaway for parents is that while the high school is a point of pride, the elementary and middle schools face significant academic challenges that require more than just resources to overcome.
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