Cross Roads High School

Cross Roads High School in Malakoff, TX, is a small, rural school serving 162 students in grades 9-12, and it has achieved a remarkable turnaround over the past decade, climbing from the 30th percentile to the 84th percentile statewide. This school, part of the Cross Roads Independent School District (Isd), now ranks 326th out of 2,009 Texas high schools, far outperforming nearby schools like Malakoff High School (819th) and Athens High School (1,451st). With a student-to-teacher ratio of just 7.2 to 1, Cross Roads offers a highly personalized learning environment that is significantly smaller than neighboring schools like Eustace High School (11:1) and Lapoynor High School.

Academically, Cross Roads excels across the board, with STAAR End-of-Course proficiency rates that consistently beat state averages—for example, 89% in Biology versus the state's 71%, and 79% in English I Reading versus 55%. The school also achieves near-perfect graduation rates (98.1%) and has recorded a 0.0% dropout rate for four of the last five years. What truly sets Cross Roads apart is its ability to serve all students effectively: Hispanic students rank in the 92nd percentile, special education students in the 93rd percentile, and low socio-economic status students in the 88th percentile, all while maintaining top-tier overall performance. This is a standout achievement compared to nearby schools, where such consistent subgroup success is rare.

Interestingly, Cross Roads achieves these results with a lower per-student spending ($14,406) than the highest-performing nearby school, Cayuga High School ($17,896), suggesting an efficient and effective educational model. While the school excels with most student groups, its performance with White students (66th percentile) is a relative area for growth. Overall, Cross Roads High School is a compelling choice for parents seeking a small, supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive academically and graduate ready for the future.