Summary
Garcia Ymla is a small middle school in Austin, TX, serving 255 students in grades 6-8 within the Austin Independent School District (Isd), where nearly all students come from families with high economic need. This school stands out for its remarkable success in advanced math, with 81.82% of students passing the Algebra I End-of-Course exam in 2025-2026—far exceeding the district and state averages. At the same time, the school invests heavily in its students, spending $16,781 per student, which is nearly double what nearby Kealing Middle spends, and maintains an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 9.6:1, the lowest among comparable schools in the area.
Garcia Ymla shows a clear upward trend, climbing from the 2nd percentile in 2020-2021 to the 14th percentile in 2025-2026, its highest ranking in nearly a decade. This improvement is especially notable for specific student groups: English Language Learners now rank in the 54th percentile statewide, a huge jump from just two years ago, and Special Education students consistently earn solid ratings. In contrast, Decker Middle, a nearby school in Manor Independent School District (Isd) serving a similar population, has declined to the 5th percentile, suggesting Garcia Ymla’s strategies—like high spending and small classes—are making a real difference.
While grade-level math scores remain low, the school’s success in Algebra I is a bright spot that could guide future improvements. The school also keeps most students on track, with a dropout rate that has often been 0% in recent years, unlike some nearby schools with higher rates. For parents, Garcia Ymla offers a focused, supportive environment where students who are ready for advanced work can thrive, and where the school is steadily building on its strengths to help all students succeed.
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