Summary:
The Pettus Independent School District (Isd) is a small, rural district in Texas serving approximately 377 students across two schools: Pettus Elementary (Pre-K through 5th grade) and Pettus Secondary (6th through 12th grade).
This district presents a clear contrast between its two schools. Pettus Secondary is the standout, boasting a perfect 100% graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate. It has achieved strong results on high school End-of-Course exams, significantly outperforming the state average in English II Reading and U.S. History. In contrast, Pettus Elementary is struggling, with a declining ranking that has dropped to the 24th percentile (1-star). Its students consistently score below state averages in nearly every subject and grade level, with the largest gaps seen in 3rd-grade Reading and 5th-grade Mathematics. A notable "middle school dip" is also evident, where 6th-grade Math proficiency falls to just 20%, though performance recovers dramatically by high school.
Key metrics show the district serves a high-poverty population, with nearly 70% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Despite this challenge, the district spends significantly per student, particularly at the secondary level ($17,609). The secondary school's success in overcoming socioeconomic hurdles to achieve high graduation rates and strong test scores is commendable, but its ranking has fluctuated, suggesting a need for consistent support systems. The elementary school's poor performance, despite high spending, raises questions about resource allocation and the need for targeted early intervention in literacy and math. Overall, parents should see a district with a high-performing high school but a struggling elementary program that requires close attention.
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