Dell City School

Dell City School is a small, rural public school in the remote far western corner of Texas, serving 76 students in grades PK-12 within the Dell City Independent School District (Isd).

This school stands out for its remarkable graduation rate, which has been a perfect 100% for three of the last four reported years—far exceeding the Texas state average. However, this success at the finish line contrasts with below-average test scores in elementary and middle school, where math and reading proficiency rates are often in the single digits. The school appears to leverage its extremely low student-teacher ratio of 6:1 to provide intensive, personalized support that helps struggling students catch up by high school. This is evident in advanced coursework: 100% of students taking the Algebra I EOC exam were proficient, compared to just 47% statewide, and 82% were proficient in Biology versus the state's 62%. The school also reports a 0% dropout rate for three consecutive years, a critical achievement in a high-poverty community where 78% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Because Dell City School is the only school in its district and is geographically isolated, there are no nearby schools for direct comparison. However, the school's high per-student spending of over $26,000 annually—roughly double the state average—reflects the investment in its small student body. The data suggests a "late bloomer" effect: while foundational skills may develop slowly, the personalized environment pays off significantly in high school, where students excel in college-preparatory coursework at rates that far exceed state averages. For parents, this school offers a unique blend of intensive support and high expectations, transforming at-risk students into high-achieving graduates.