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Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory

Q: Is Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory a good school?

Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory ranks 938 th of 2335 Texas alternative schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public, Charter, Alternative Grades 6-11

938^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 2,335 Texas Alternative Schools

Better than 60% of Texas alternative schools

Summary

Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory in McAllen, TX, serves 753 students in grades 6 through 11 within the Idea Public Schools district, where over 93% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, reflecting a highly economically diverse community.

This school stands out for its exceptionally low dropout rate—maintaining 0.0% for four years through 2024—and strong high school performance, especially in English II Reading (71% proficient vs. 56% state average) and U.S. History (76% vs. 68% state). It also excels in Algebra I (64% vs. 47% state) and 7th Grade Math (46% vs. 29% state). However, middle school subjects like 8th Grade Reading (44% vs. 59% state) and Social Studies (16% vs. 32% state) lag behind, suggesting the college-prep focus strengthens in high school. Compared to nearby Vanguard Academy campuses, Idea Los Encinos outperforms in key areas: for instance, Vanguard Mozart scores just 5% in 7th Grade Math, while Idea achieves 46%. The school also spends less per student ($10,447) than the Juvenile Detention Center ($45,908), yet delivers strong results in math and history.

Despite being in a lower-ranked district (43rd percentile statewide), Idea Los Encinos shows consistent improvement in English II Reading over three years and achieves above-state proficiency in multiple high school subjects despite high poverty levels. This suggests effective instructional approaches in math and history that even surpass some higher-ranked peers. While middle school areas need attention, the school’s focus on college readiness and near-zero dropout rate make it a compelling option for families prioritizing high school success and stability.

753

Students ?

17.6

Student/teacher ratio ?

$11,551

Per pupil spending ?

93.2%

Free/discounted lunch ?

5400 S Ware Rd
McAllen, TX 78503

(956) 429-4150

District: Idea Public Schools

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

98.3%

White:

1.6%

Asian:

0.1%

See top rated Texas elementary schools

Compare Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory to nearby alternative schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 42nd percentile in 2021 → 60th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 18 percentile points since 2021

✓Above the Texas median (60th percentile)

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Biology scores 22 pts below the Texas average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school51%

District avg49%

Texas avg53%

938^th of 2,335

Texas public middle schools ?

Top 40%▲ up 18 pts since 2021

From bottom 42% (2021) to top 40% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Texas Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

3^rd of 8Alternative Schools in the Idea Public Schools

546^th of 951Idea Public Schools among Texas districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	53.2	938 of 2335	59.8%	★★★☆☆
2025	55.1	912 of 2344	61.1%	★★★☆☆
2024	56.1	885 of 2372	62.7%	★★★☆☆
2023	55.2	929 of 2330	60.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	66.3	564 of 2254	75.0%	★★★★☆
2021	39.7	1307 of 2252	42.0%	★★☆☆☆

At Risk

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2022	91.3	73 of 2182	96.7%	★★★★★
2021	81.1	147 of 2118	93.1%	★★★★★

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2025	76.9	186 of 1428	87.0%	★★★★☆
2024	87.0	123 of 1770	93.1%	★★★★★
2023	77.5	214 of 1720	87.6%	★★★★☆
2022	89.1	75 of 1643	95.4%	★★★★★
2021	79.8	123 of 1592	92.3%	★★★★★

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	58.0	784 of 2240	65.0%	★★★☆☆
2025	56.2	686 of 1825	62.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	65.9	585 of 2242	73.9%	★★★★☆
2023	53.9	922 of 2241	58.9%	★★★☆☆
2022	58.5	763 of 2221	65.6%	★★★☆☆
2021	37.8	1321 of 2151	38.6%	★★☆☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	58.5	704 of 2141	67.1%	★★★☆☆
2025	70.6	328 of 1731	81.1%	★★★★☆
2024	84.7	164 of 2119	92.3%	★★★★★
2023	63.9	570 of 2116	73.1%	★★★★☆
2022	75.0	315 of 2077	84.8%	★★★★☆
2021	50.6	873 of 2043	57.3%	★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	64.3	564 of 2253	75.0%	★★★★☆
2025	78.2	187 of 1820	89.7%	★★★★☆
2024	86.3	117 of 2235	94.8%	★★★★★
2023	67.1	517 of 2251	77.0%	★★★★☆
2022	76.6	279 of 2220	87.4%	★★★★☆
2021	53.5	841 of 2172	61.3%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	47.4	1088 of 2253	51.7%	★★★☆☆
2025	63.7	502 of 1818	72.4%	★★★★☆
2024	74.1	397 of 2246	82.3%	★★★★☆
2023	56.3	856 of 2245	61.9%	★★★☆☆
2022	72.0	452 of 2228	79.7%	★★★★☆
2021	41.3	1215 of 2168	44.0%	★★☆☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	37.1	1213 of 1956	38.0%	★★☆☆☆
2025	96.5	20 of 1568	98.7%	★★★★★
2024	86.4	84 of 1891	95.6%	★★★★★
2023	69.8	261 of 1815	85.6%	★★★★☆
2022	55.6	508 of 1757	71.1%	★★★★☆
2021	23.2	1560 of 1712	8.9%	☆☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	77.9	260 of 1731	85.0%	★★★★☆
2021	20.9	1494 of 1700	12.1%	★☆☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

At Risk (2022)97th percentile+22 vs school

English Language Learner (2025)87th percentile+26 vs school

White (2026)85th percentile+25 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)75th percentile+15 vs school

Hispanic (2026)67th percentile+7 vs school

Female (2026)65th percentile+5 vs school

Male (2026)52nd percentile-8 vs school

Special Education (2026)38th percentile-22 vs school

By subject vs Texas (2025-2026) ?

U.S. History78%+8 vs state

English II Reading65%+5 vs state

Reading55%~ state avg

English I Reading51%-4 vs state

Biology49%-22 vs state

Algebra I48%-6 vs state

Mathematics44%+9 vs state

Social Studies16%-16 vs state

★

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Schools Near Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking ()				Ranking ()				STAAR Spanish Reading (2026)			STAAR EOC Algebra I (2026)	STAAR EOC Biology (2026)	STAAR EOC English I Reading (2026)	STAAR EOC English II Reading (2026)	STAAR EOC U.S. History (2026)	STAAR Reading (2026)						STAAR Mathematics (2026)						STAAR Social Studies (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score ()	Statewide Rank ()	State Percentile ()	SchoolDigger Rating ()	Average Standard Score ()	Statewide Rank ()	State Percentile ()	Rank Change from Previous Year	STAAR Spanish Reading 3rd Grade	STAAR Spanish Reading 4th Grade	STAAR Spanish Reading 5th Grade	STAAR EOC Algebra I End of Course	STAAR EOC Biology End of Course	STAAR EOC English I Reading End of Course	STAAR EOC English II Reading End of Course	STAAR EOC U.S. History End of Course	STAAR Reading 3rd Grade	STAAR Reading 4th Grade	STAAR Reading 5th Grade	STAAR Reading 6th Grade	STAAR Reading 7th Grade	STAAR Reading 8th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 3rd Grade	STAAR Mathematics 4th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 5th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 6th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 7th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 8th Grade	STAAR Social Studies 8th Grade	Total
Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory	Public, Charter, Alternative	6-11	5400 S Ware Rd	McAllen	78503	Hidalgo County	Idea Public Schools	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 429-4150	753	43	17.6	93.2%	12 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	740 (98.3%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)				48.3	49.0	51.1	65.2	78.0				58.8	61.1	44.1				41.5	45.8		15.8	$11,551
Instr/Guid Center	Public, Alternative	6-11	2604 Galveston Ave	McAllen	78501	Hidalgo County	McAllen Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	No	(956) 971-4393	60	11	5.5	88.3%	1 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	58 (96.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)																						$53,018
Vanguard Van Gogh	Public, Charter, Alternative	PK, KG-9	1407 W Moore Rd	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Vanguard Academy	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 403-5000	1,048	58	18.0	90.6%	19 (1.8%)	0 (0.0%)	1,027 (98.0%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)	46.4	36.4	25.0	48.9	76.2	60.5	74.3		46.3	33.8	44.8	62.1	54.7	69.3	34.0	36.6	16.7	31.4	4.9	53.8	28.0	$9,679
Southwest Key Program	Public, Alternative	9	3900 N 23rd	McAllen	78501	Hidalgo County	McAllen Independent School District (Isd)	No	(n/a)	(n/a)	(n/a)	(956) 618-6031	1				0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Vanguard Rembrandt	Public, Charter, Alternative	PK, KG-12	1200 E Kelly Ave	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Vanguard Academy	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 283-0600	1,978	118	16.7	83.2%	14 (0.7%)	3 (0.2%)	1,958 (99.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.1%)								(n/a)	34.8	40.0		43.5	67.7	67.5	75.8	67.4	51.4	45.1	53.0	60.1	64.9	72.7	38.8	47.6	48.1	39.9	25.4	53.1	29.0	$12,350
Vanguard Mozart	Public, Charter, Alternative	PK, KG-12	155 E Business 83	Alamo	78516	Hidalgo County	Vanguard Academy	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 223-2030	1,236	77	15.9	90.7%	14 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1,221 (98.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)								(n/a)			50.0	29.4	58.7	54.2	69.9	51.9	39.5	60.9	77.7	51.7	38.0	48.4	30.3	54.0	34.1	30.8	5.1	23.5	16.5	$11,538
Vanguard Beethoven	Public, Charter, Alternative	PK, KG-12	2215 S Veterans Blvd	Edinburg	78539	Hidalgo County	Vanguard Academy	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 318-0211	1,782	105	17.0	84.8%	15 (0.8%)	5 (0.3%)	1,753 (98.4%)	6 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.1%)								(n/a)				47.0	73.3	74.6	80.0	70.8	50.4	43.4	55.8	65.3	72.4	65.5	35.8	44.9	24.6	46.7	19.7	50.3	23.5	$10,705
Jjaep-Southwest Key Program	Public, Alternative	8-9	1313 S 18th St	Edinburg	78539	Hidalgo County	Mercedes Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	No	(956) 380-3837	1				0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Edinburg Alternative Education Academy	Public, Alternative	3-12	1301 E Schunior	Edinburg	78540	Hidalgo County	Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District	No	No	(n/a)	No	(956) 289-2598	0	0	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Donna Alternative Education Program	Public, Alternative	1-12	281 Military Hwy	Donna	78537	Hidalgo County	Donna Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	No	(956) 464-1954	0	10	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)

Frequently Asked Questions about Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory

How many students attend Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory?

In the 2024-25 school year, 753 students attended Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory.

What district is Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory in?

Idea Public Schools

Is Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory a good school?

Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory ranks 938^th of 2335 Texas alternative schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory?

Students at Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory are 98% Hispanic, 2% White.

Rate Idea Los Encinos College Preparatory!

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Latest Texas data All new data »

2025–26 STAAR, STAAR EOC & STAAR Spanish test scoresJun 12, 2026

2021–22 through 2023–24 school spending dataJan 10, 2026

2023–24 dropout rates & graduation ratesSep 17, 2025

2024–25 STAAR EOC & STAAR Spanish test scoresJun 23, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Texas Education Agency.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.