Summary:
The three middle schools in the Longview Independent School District (Isd) serve grades 6-8 and present a study in contrasts, with performance ranging from strong to struggling across a district ranked in the 53rd percentile in Texas.
Judson Steam Academy stands out as the district's top performer, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 77th percentile. It excels in Reading and Social Studies, with 8th-grade proficiency rates significantly above state averages. Foster Middle is a close second, also holding a 4-star rating (73rd percentile) and establishing itself as a math powerhouse. Its Algebra I pass rate of 92.45% is nearly 40 points above the state average, and it achieves these results while serving a student population where 83.5% are economically disadvantaged. In contrast, Forest Park Magnet School is the lowest-ranked school with a 1-star rating (28th percentile) and declining rankings. It struggles across most subjects, though it has a surprisingly high Algebra I pass rate of 85.25%, suggesting a selective advanced math program.
Key takeaways for parents include a clear "Algebra I Paradox" where Forest Park's high pass rate contrasts with its low general math scores, indicating a two-tiered math approach. Spending does not guarantee success, as Judson Steam Academy has the highest spending ($14,144 per student) and best results, while Forest Park has the second-highest spending ($13,277) but lowest performance. Socioeconomic status is a strong factor, with Forest Park serving the highest poverty rate (91.56%), yet Foster Middle proves that high-poverty schools can excel with effective strategies. Overall, the district shows a notable strength in advanced math, with all three schools exceeding state Algebra I averages.
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