Summary:
The Rio Hondo Independent School District (Isd) contains one elementary school, Rio Hondo Elementary, which serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade with a total enrollment of 527 students in a community where nearly 91% of students are economically disadvantaged.
Rio Hondo Elementary has experienced a troubling decline in its state ranking over the past three years, dropping from the 38th percentile (2 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 17th percentile (1 star) in the most recent 2025-2026 data. The school is performing well below state averages in every tested subject and grade level, with the largest gaps in 4th Grade Math (28.92% proficient vs. 49.28% statewide) and 4th Grade Reading (33.73% proficient vs. 53.04% statewide). However, there is one notable bright spot: 3rd Grade Math proficiency improved significantly from 29.76% to 41.33% year-over-year, an increase of over 11 percentage points that brings it closer to the state average of 44.33%. This positive trend in 3rd grade math stands in contrast to sharp declines in reading scores, which dropped from roughly 42% to 33% proficient in both 3rd and 4th grades.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Rio Hondo Elementary faces significant academic challenges, particularly in reading and 4th-grade math, which are consistent with the difficulties often seen in high-poverty schools. The school spends $9,936 per student, and the district itself ranks 782 out of 951 in Texas (18th percentile). The improvement in 3rd-grade math suggests that targeted interventions can work, but the lack of similar progress in other areas indicates a need for more consistent instructional strategies across grade levels. Parents should consider asking the school about specific programs for reading support and how they plan to sustain the math gains seen in 3rd grade into 4th grade.
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