Summary:
The nine elementary schools (PK-5) in the Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District (Isd) serve a highly economically disadvantaged community, with over 90% of students receiving free or reduced lunch, and the district itself holds a 3-star rating, ranking in the 61st percentile statewide.
General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary is the district's standout performer, ranking in the 87th percentile (4 stars) for 2025-2026 and consistently exceeding state averages in Reading and Math, despite having the largest enrollment (712 students). In contrast, La Union Elementary is the lowest-ranked school, sitting in the 20th percentile (1 star). Two schools showed dramatic improvement: Alberto And Celia Barrera Elementary jumped from the 19th to the 86th percentile, and John & Olive Hinojosa Elementary rose from the 26th to the 66th percentile. Grulla Elementary remains a consistent high achiever with a 4-star rating for three consecutive years.
District-wide, 4th-grade Math is a clear strength, with six of nine schools exceeding the state average. However, 5th-grade Reading and Science are notable weaknesses; only two schools beat the state average in 5th-grade Reading, and 5th-grade Science scores are critically low at Dr Mario E Ramirez Elementary (5.8%) and Roque Guerra Junior Elementary (9.89%). Interestingly, Dr Mario E Ramirez Elementary has the highest per-student spending ($15,382) but only a 3-star rating, while top-ranked General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary spends a modest $10,423, highlighting that higher spending does not guarantee better results.
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