Summary:
The Nacogdoches Independent School District (Isd) in Texas serves approximately 8 schools, including 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, in a community where most schools face significant academic challenges, with the district ranking in the 9th percentile statewide.
Performance varies widely across the district. Thomas J Rusk Elementary stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 44th percentile and exceeding state averages in 5th-grade Reading (68.25%) and Mathematics (60.94%), despite a high poverty rate. In contrast, Emeline Carpenter Elementary struggles the most, ranking in the 0th percentile with critically low math scores (e.g., 3.23% proficient in 4th-grade Math) and the highest per-student spending ($13,320) among elementary schools. McMichael Middle shows a unique bright spot: while its overall math scores are low, its Algebra I End-of-Course exam proficiency is an extraordinary 95%, far above the state average of 54%. Among high schools, Nacogdoches High School boasts a strong 99.2% graduation rate, while Margie Chumbley Academy For Success, an alternative school with a very low student-teacher ratio of 4.5:1, has a much lower graduation rate of 70.4% and a high dropout rate of 12.4%.
Key takeaways for parents include that poverty is a strong factor but not destiny, as Thomas J Rusk Elementary proves effective despite high needs. Higher spending does not guarantee better results, as seen with Emeline Carpenter Elementary and Margie Chumbley Academy For Success. The district’s elementary schools show inconsistent performance, with Raguet Elementary showing promise above district averages, while Mike Moses Elementary and Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary face challenges similar to the district average. Overall, the district’s test scores consistently fall below state averages, highlighting systemic issues that families should consider when evaluating school options.
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