Simms Independent School District (Isd)

The Simms Independent School District (Isd) serves 480 students across three schools—James Bowie Elementary, James Bowie Middle, and James Bowie High School—in a small Texas community, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 73rd percentile statewide.

James Bowie High School is the district’s standout performer, boasting a perfect 100% graduation rate and zero dropout rate. It excels academically with 88.89% proficiency in English II Reading and 83.33% in Biology, far exceeding state averages. The high school also shows dramatic improvement in Algebra I, jumping from 34.62% to 73.91% proficiency in one year, supported by the highest per-student spending ($14,006) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (8.1:1). In contrast, James Bowie Middle is the most challenged school, with its state ranking dropping to the 40th percentile and struggles in 7th-grade math (15.79% proficiency). However, it shines in advanced math, achieving 91.67% proficiency in Algebra I, indicating strong support for top-tier students. James Bowie Elementary shows consistent improvement, rising from the 52nd to the 78th percentile over three years, with strong math foundations in 3rd and 4th grades (69.23% and 66.67% proficiency). Yet, a critical gap exists in 5th-grade science, where only 10.34% of students are proficient.

Key takeaways include a successful "Algebra I pipeline" from middle to high school, with coordinated math instruction driving exceptional results. Resource allocation varies significantly, with the high school receiving more funding and smaller class sizes, correlating with its top performance. Despite over 57% of students being economically disadvantaged, the district outperforms state averages in key areas like high school English and elementary math, highlighting effective teaching and support systems. The middle school remains a tale of two extremes—excelling in advanced math while struggling with grade-level math—suggesting a need for balanced support across all student levels.