Richards High School

Richards High School is a small, rural school in Richards, TX, serving 249 students in grades PK-12 as part of the single-campus Richards Independent School District (Isd), where the school and district are one and the same.

The school’s most remarkable achievement is its perfect record: a 100% graduation rate and 0% dropout rate for five consecutive years, far exceeding the Texas state average of about 90%. This is paired with an exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio of 11.4:1, allowing for individualized attention that helps keep students engaged and on track. However, this success in retention contrasts with inconsistent standardized test scores, which often fall below state averages—especially in math, where proficiency rates have struggled (e.g., only 5% of 6th graders were proficient in math in 2023-2024). The school’s tiny class sizes cause extreme year-over-year swings in scores, making single-year results unreliable; for instance, 8th grade reading jumped from 41.67% to 68.75% in one year. A notable strength is high school English, with English I and II EOC exams consistently outperforming state averages (e.g., 77.27% proficient in English I vs. 53.77% statewide).

For parents, this school offers a supportive environment where students are unlikely to drop out, but academic rigor—particularly in math—needs attention. The small size means your child will receive personalized support, but test scores can be volatile due to small numbers. The school’s modest spending per student ($11,768) suggests efficient operations, though resources for specialized programs may be limited. Overall, Richards High School excels at keeping students in school and graduating, but families should inquire about math instruction and how the school prepares students for college and career beyond the diploma.