Port Aransas Independent School District (Isd)

The Port Aransas Independent School District (Isd) is a small, unified district in Port Aransas, Texas, serving 585 students across three schools: Olsen Elementary (grades PK-5), Brundrett Middle (grades 6-8), and Port Aransas High School (grades 9-12). The district earns a strong 4-star rating overall, but performance varies significantly by school level.

Port Aransas High School is the clear star, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 93rd to 96th percentile statewide. It boasts a 100% graduation rate and exceptional test scores, including 94.83% proficiency in English II Reading and 93.75% in U.S. History. In contrast, Olsen Elementary and Brundrett Middle both hold 3-star ratings. Brundrett Middle is a math and science powerhouse, with 100% of 8th graders proficient in Algebra I, but struggles with 7th-grade math (only 13.04% proficient). Olsen Elementary shows strength in reading but significant weakness in early math, with 3rd graders scoring just 30% proficient compared to the state average of 44.33%.

A key takeaway is the "middle school paradox": Brundrett Middle has the highest per-student spending ($18,796) and smallest class sizes (9.5 students per teacher), yet its overall state ranking dropped from the 84th to 62nd percentile. Meanwhile, Port Aransas High School excels despite lower spending, suggesting effective instruction or a more motivated student body. The district also shows a clear link between socioeconomic factors and performance, with the high school having the lowest free/reduced lunch rate (19.7%) and the highest scores, while the elementary school has the highest rate (37.26%) and faces the most challenges. Overall, the district provides a strong foundation, but parents should note the uneven math performance in earlier grades.