Brazos Success Academy

Brazos Success Academy is a small alternative high school in Lake Jackson, TX, serving 134 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Brazosport Independent School District (Isd). This school serves a highly at-risk population, with over 80% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and its overall academic performance ranks in the bottom 5% of Texas high schools. However, it's important to understand that this school is designed for students who have faced significant challenges, making direct comparisons to traditional schools like Brazoswood High School or Brazosport High School less straightforward.

The academic achievement gap is stark. For example, in Algebra I, only 3.85% of Brazos Success Academy students were proficient, compared to 43.5% at Brazoswood High. The school's graduation rate is also volatile, sitting at 73.4% in 2023-2024, while nearby traditional schools boast rates above 89%. Its dropout rate of 8.6% is dramatically higher than the 1.3% or lower seen at other area high schools. These numbers reflect the school's mission to serve students who have not succeeded in traditional settings, similar to other alternative campuses like the Brazoria County Juvenile Detention center and the Student Alternative Center.

Despite these challenges, there is a notable bright spot: Brazos Success Academy's Special Education program ranks in the 74th percentile statewide, earning a 4-star rating. This suggests the school has a particularly effective approach for these students, a strength that could be a model for improvement in other areas. The school also spends more per student ($14,534) than larger traditional high schools, indicating that funding alone isn't the issue. A brief improvement to the 31st percentile in 2022-2023 hints at potential for turnaround, but the school has since returned to the bottom 5%.