Corina Pena Elementary

Corina Pena Elementary in Penitas, TX, serves 523 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade as part of the La Joya Independent School District (Isd), and has historically ranked in the bottom third of Texas elementary schools over the past decade.

This school faces significant academic challenges, particularly in science, where only 12.16% of 5th graders were proficient in 2024-2025—the lowest rate among nearby La Joya ISD elementary schools. For context, Tabasco Elementary achieved 33.82% proficiency in the same subject. However, there are notable bright spots: in 2023-2024, 54.29% of 4th graders were proficient in Spanish reading, nearly doubling the state average of 29.32%. Additionally, female students at Corina Pena rank in the 45th percentile statewide, earning 2 stars, while male students rank in the 12th percentile—a 33-percentile-point gap that is the largest gender disparity among nearby schools.

Interestingly, Narciso Cavazos, located just 3.91 miles away, serves a similar student population (94.27% free/reduced lunch) but ranks in the 51st percentile (3 stars), outperforming Corina Pena in nearly every subject. This suggests that the school's challenges are not solely due to demographics but may involve school-specific factors like leadership or teaching practices. The school also struggles with its Gifted and Talented program, ranking in the 6th percentile statewide, indicating a need for better enrichment for high-achieving students. Overall, Corina Pena shows inconsistent performance with no clear upward trend, making it a school with both areas of concern and potential for growth.