Andrews Education Center

Andrews Education Center is a small alternative high school in Andrews, TX, serving 38 students in grades 9-12 within the Andrews Independent School District (Isd). Designed for students who have struggled in a traditional school setting, it offers a more individualized learning environment with a low student-teacher ratio of 7.6:1, compared to 14.1:1 at the district's main campus, Andrews High School. The school also spends significantly more per student—$15,939 versus $11,725—reflecting the specialized resources needed to support its at-risk population.

The school's academic performance is low overall, with state rankings in the bottom 5-16% over the past decade and a 1-star rating in the most recent year. However, its graduation rate has shown slight improvement, rising from a low of 48.9% in 2022-2023 to 63.0% in 2023-2024. This is still far below Andrews High School's 97.1% graduation rate, but it represents progress for a school serving students who might otherwise drop out. The dropout rate has also decreased from 15.3% in 2021-2022 to 4.8% in 2023-2024, though it remains 24 times higher than the district average of 0.2%.

One interesting finding is the school's volatility in subgroup performance, likely due to its tiny enrollment. For example, in 2024-2025, Hispanic students ranked in the 100th percentile statewide, but dropped to the 9th percentile the following year. Similarly, English Language Learner students have performed relatively well, ranking in the 64th percentile in 2023-2024. These fluctuations highlight how the success of just a few students can dramatically shift the school's metrics. While the overall picture is one of significant challenge, the school's ability to graduate over 60% of its high-need students and show gradual improvement in key areas suggests it is fulfilling its mission of providing a second chance for those who need it most.