Summary:
The Willis Independent School District (Isd) serves approximately 4,049 students across six elementary schools (grades K-5) in Texas, with the district ranking in the 34th percentile statewide, indicating below-average performance overall.
Two schools stand out as top performers: Eddie Ruth Lagway Elementary and W. Lloyd Meador Elementary. Lagway consistently earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the top 26% of Texas elementary schools, with 75% of its 3rd graders proficient in Reading compared to the district average of 57%. Meador is a strong, consistent performer in the top 30%, particularly excelling in Mathematics—62% of its 5th graders were proficient versus the district's 44%. In contrast, C.C. Hardy Elementary is the most challenged school, with a 0-star rating and ranking in the bottom 7% of Texas elementary schools; only 20% of its 4th graders were proficient in Math compared to the district's 42%. Edward B. Cannan Elementary and Parmley Elementary also struggle to meet state benchmarks, while Turner Elementary shows inconsistent performance with flashes of strength, such as 61% of 5th graders proficient in Math.
A key finding is the strong link between economic disadvantage and academic performance: the two highest-performing schools have the lowest rates of free/reduced lunch (around 38-39%), while C.C. Hardy has the highest rate (84%). Parmley Elementary presents a paradox, spending the most per student ($9,530) yet ranking below the district's top performers. Additionally, C.C. Hardy is the only school with a significant number of students taking the Spanish-language STAAR test, where proficiency is extremely low, highlighting challenges with English Language Learners. Overall, the district shows a clear divide between two high-performing schools and four that are struggling, suggesting uneven distribution of resources and effective strategies.
Thank you for your feedback!