Summary
McCarroll Middle in Decatur, TX, serves 838 students in grades 6-8 within the Decatur Independent School District (Isd), and has earned a consistent 3-star rating from SchoolDigger over the past four years, placing it solidly in the middle of the pack among Texas middle schools.
McCarroll’s standout feature is its exceptional Algebra I acceleration program for 8th graders, with proficiency rates consistently above 90%—far exceeding the state average of around 50%. This suggests a strong focus on preparing advanced math students for high school-level coursework. However, the school shows a clear split in performance: it excels in Reading and Science, meeting or exceeding state averages, but struggles significantly in general math for 6th and 7th graders and in 8th grade Social Studies, where proficiency rates often fall 10-15 points below state averages. This creates a "two-tiered" academic profile, where top students thrive while many others need more support. On a positive note, recent data shows strong improvement for Special Education students, who jumped to the 64th percentile statewide in 2025-2026, up from the 29th percentile two years prior.
Compared to nearby schools, McCarroll is a larger, more diverse school with a higher poverty rate (45% free/reduced lunch) than Paradise Middle (25.71%) or Alvord Middle (31.87%). While Alvord outperforms McCarroll in nearly every subject, McCarroll’s Algebra I results are impressive given its larger student body. Its per-student spending ($9,403) is lower than many peers, like Chico Middle ($13,384), suggesting efficient use of resources, though a higher student-teacher ratio (16.1) may contribute to challenges in core subjects. Overall, McCarroll is a solid school with a strong advanced math program, but it faces key areas for growth in general math and social studies instruction.
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