Summary:
This analysis examines four middle schools serving grades 6 through 8 within the Weslaco Independent School District (Isd), a district ranked in the 45th percentile statewide, revealing a clear standout and significant performance gaps between schools.
Central Middle is the district's top performer, earning a 4-star rating from Schooldigger for three consecutive years and improving its state ranking to the 77th percentile. It is the largest school with 1,060 students and has the lowest percentage of economically disadvantaged students (65.57%). In contrast, Mary Hoge Middle struggles the most, with a 1-star rating, the lowest state ranking (30th percentile), the highest economic disadvantage rate (90.84%), and the highest dropout rate (0.9%). Armando Cuellar Middle and Beatriz G Garza Middle fall in the middle, with state rankings in the 42nd and 47th percentiles, respectively. A notable paradox is that all four schools achieved near-perfect or perfect 100% proficiency rates in Algebra I and English I Reading End-of-Course exams, far exceeding state averages, yet their general student populations often underperform in standard grade-level math and reading.
Key metrics show that higher spending does not guarantee better results: Armando Cuellar Middle spends the most per student ($11,657) but ranks lower than Central Middle, which spends less ($10,499) and achieves a much higher ranking. Student-teacher ratios are consistent across the district, ranging from 15.9:1 to 18.9:1. For parents, Central Middle is the clear choice for strong overall performance and advanced coursework success, while Mary Hoge Middle faces the greatest challenges, particularly with high poverty rates and lower academic outcomes.
Thank you for your feedback!