Summary
Moody Middle in Moody, TX, is a small, rural school serving 210 students in grades 5 through 8 within the Moody Independent School District (Isd), and it has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. After years of low performance, the school has jumped from the 14th percentile to the 73rd percentile in statewide rankings, earning a 4-star rating for two consecutive years. This turnaround is especially impressive when compared to nearby schools like Travis Science Academy and Lamar Middle, which have consistently ranked in the bottom 30th percentile. With a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 11.2:1, the school provides a supportive environment where about 60% of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Moody Middle’s standout strength is its exceptional performance in advanced mathematics, with a perfect 100% proficiency rate on the Algebra I End-of-Course exam—far exceeding the state average of 54% and every nearby school, including Lorena Middle (97%). The school also excels in 8th-grade reading, with 71% of students proficient, outperforming the state average and matching top schools like Lake Belton Middle. Notably, the school achieves strong results for all student groups, earning 4-star ratings for special education, low-income, and female students. However, there is a "barbell effect" in math: while advanced students thrive, on-grade-level math scores for 5th and 6th graders lag behind state averages, and 8th-grade social studies scores (33% proficient) are a consistent weakness.
What makes Moody Middle particularly compelling is its resource efficiency. With per-student spending of $11,559, it outperforms schools with higher budgets, such as Isbill J H ($12,278) and Bruceville-Eddy J H ($11,796), both of which have lower performance. The school is now competitive with schools from higher-ranked districts, like Midway Middle, in key subjects. This dramatic improvement over the last few years suggests that effective changes are driving success for a wide range of learners, making Moody Middle a school to watch for families seeking a small, improving environment.
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