Zavala Elementary

Zavala Elementary in Pecos, TX, serves 861 students in grades 2 through 5 within the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (Isd), making it the larger of the district's two elementary schools.

While the school has faced academic challenges, ranking in the bottom 15-20% of Texas elementary schools in recent years, there are notable bright spots. A standout strength is in Spanish-language mathematics for 5th graders, where proficiency rates have consistently and significantly exceeded state averages—for example, 50% were proficient in 2025-2026 compared to the state's 22.3%. Additionally, the school's special education program is a relative strength, with students in this subgroup consistently earning a 2-star rating, outperforming other subgroups. Compared to the district's other elementary school, Austin Elementary (serving PK-1), Zavala has a slightly higher student-teacher ratio (14.3:1 vs. 13.8:1) and a lower percentage of economically disadvantaged students (63.5% vs. 69.5%).

Despite high per-pupil spending—over $21,000, nearly double the state average—academic outcomes have not kept pace, raising questions about resource efficiency. The school experienced a sharp decline in performance after the 2020-2021 school year, when it ranked in the 48th percentile, and has since remained in the 14th-17th percentile range. The Gifted and Talented program has shown inconsistent results, with rankings fluctuating from the 49th percentile to the 18th percentile in recent years. For parents, Zavala offers a strong math program for Spanish-speaking students and effective special education supports, but overall academic performance and resource allocation are areas to watch closely.