Summary
Crenshaw Elementary And Middle in Port Bolivar, TX, is a small, rural PK-8 school serving 131 students within the Galveston Independent School District (Isd), where over 77% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This school stands out for its exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 7.9:1 and high per-student spending of $18,245, both far better than nearby schools like San Leon Elementary or Heights Elementary, which typically have ratios of 12:1 to 15:1 and spending between $10,000 and $14,000. However, despite these resources, the school's academic performance has been highly volatile, with recent data showing a 1-star rating and ranking in the 16th percentile, its lowest point in years.
One of the most interesting findings is the school's "Jekyll and Hyde" performance by grade level. In the most recent year, 7th and 8th graders significantly outperformed the district and state in Reading, with 73.68% and 54.55% proficient respectively, compared to about 38% district and 56% state averages. Yet, 3rd through 6th graders scored well below state averages, with only 33% of 3rd graders proficient in Reading versus 51% statewide. This pattern suggests a strong middle school teaching team or a cohort effect, where students who have been at the school since PK may finally benefit from the stable, continuous environment by 7th and 8th grade. Additionally, the school shows a clear strength in 8th-grade Social Studies and Biology, with 45% proficient in Social Studies (vs. 23% district and 32% state) and 73% proficient in Biology (vs. 59% district and 71% state), pointing to effective instruction in those subjects.
Comparing Crenshaw to Ambassadors Preparatory Academy, another small PK-8 school in the area with a similar high-poverty population (84% free/reduced lunch), reveals that small size and poverty do not have to be barriers to success. Ambassadors is a high-performing charter school ranked in the 71st percentile with 4 stars, dramatically outperforming Crenshaw in nearly every subject, such as 94% proficient in 6th-grade Reading versus Crenshaw's 40%. This comparison suggests that Crenshaw's challenges are not solely demographic but may relate to instructional quality, curriculum, or school culture. A recent decline in serving specific student groups, with the school ranking in the bottom 10% for Female, White, and Special Education students in 2025-2026, indicates a systemic issue that families should investigate further.
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