Crowley Montessori Academy

Crowley Montessori Academy is a public elementary school in Crowley, TX, serving 292 students in grades PK-5 within the Crowley Independent School District (Isd).

This school stands out from its neighbors primarily due to its unique Montessori approach and a notably different student demographic. Only 50% of its students receive free or reduced lunch, a rate far lower than nearby schools like Mary Harris Elementary (92%) or Jackie Carden Elementary (88%). Academically, the school has shown a recent decline, dropping from the 65th to the 41st percentile in state rankings over the last year. This drop is most concerning in 3rd-grade reading and math, and for its Hispanic and low-income students. However, the school has a significant strength in serving its African American students, who ranked in the 80th percentile statewide. It also shows a fascinating pattern in math, where 5th graders achieved a 60% proficiency rate—far exceeding the district average of 36%—while 3rd-grade math lagged at just 22%.

Despite its recent struggles, Crowley Montessori Academy still ranks higher than most other elementary schools in the district, including Bess Race Elementary (26th percentile) and Deer Creek Elementary (33rd percentile). Its closest competitor is S H Crowley Elementary, which, despite a much higher poverty rate (78%), outperformed Montessori in 3rd-grade math (50% vs. 22%). A notable paradox is the school's performance for its Gifted and Talented students, who ranked in the bottom 3rd percentile—a puzzling result for a school that otherwise shows strong outcomes for many of its students. This suggests that while the Montessori method may benefit certain groups, it may not be adequately challenging its highest-achieving learners.