Summary
Zavala Elementary in Harlingen, TX, is a PK-5 school in the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District that serves 332 students in a high-poverty area, with 99.7% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Despite this challenge, the school has earned a 3-star rating and ranks in the 67th percentile statewide, a strong rebound from a low point during the pandemic. What truly sets Zavala apart is its exceptional effectiveness with students from low-income backgrounds, ranking in the 85th percentile statewide for this subgroup—the highest among comparable schools in the district.
Zavala’s 3rd graders are a standout, with 72% proficient in Reading and 71% in Math, significantly outperforming district and state averages. This suggests a strong foundation in the early grades. However, there is a noticeable drop in 4th and 5th grade math, where proficiency falls to 50% and 37%, respectively—well below the district average. Nearby Bowie Elementary, which has a similarly high poverty rate, excels in upper-grade math (85% in 4th grade), offering a potential model for Zavala to sustain its early gains. In contrast, Jefferson Elementary, with a comparable poverty level, ranks much lower, highlighting that Zavala’s leadership and teaching staff are achieving something significant.
Zavala spends $12,895 per student, the highest among comparable elementary schools in the district, reflecting a strong investment in student needs. While the school’s performance with Hispanic and low-SES students has surged, there is room for growth with special education and male students. Overall, Zavala is a school that is punching above its weight, delivering strong results despite extreme poverty, and its primary focus should be on bridging the math gap between 3rd and 5th grade to build on its early successes.
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