Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Public, Magnet Grades 9-12

137^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 2,009 Texas High Schools

Better than 93% of Texas high schools

Summary

South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy in Mercedes, TX, is a highly selective magnet high school serving 840 students in grades 9-12, and it consistently ranks among the top 7% of all Texas high schools, including a peak at 42nd in the state in the 2023-2024 school year.

This school stands out for its elite academic performance, which far exceeds nearby schools. For example, while Mercedes High School ranks in the 15th percentile and Weslaco East High School in the 32nd percentile, the Science Academy consistently ranks in the 93rd to 98th percentile. Its test scores are dramatically higher, with English I and II reading proficiency rates of 80-93%, compared to the state average of 51-60%. The school also boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate for the last five years, a feat no other nearby school can match. Interestingly, the school's Algebra I proficiency has been a relative weak point, dropping to 32-41% in recent years, which is below the district average and suggests that advanced math students may take the test earlier.

The Science Academy is part of the South Texas Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the top 6% of Texas districts. It consistently outperforms its sister school, South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Health Professions, located just 0.11 miles away, particularly in U.S. History (91.82% vs. 76.38% proficient). The school also achieves exceptional results for diverse student groups, ranking in the top 5% of the state for African American, Multi-racial, Special Education, and Low Socio-Economic Status students. Despite its overall excellence, the school's performance for Gifted and Talented students is surprisingly lower, ranking in only the 62nd-67th percentile, suggesting that even its highest-achieving students may not be pushed to their maximum potential relative to peers in other specialized programs.

840

Students ?

12.8

Student/teacher ratio ?

$14,808

Per pupil spending ?

54.8%

Free/discounted lunch ?

900 Med High Dr
Mercedes, TX 78570-9702

(956) 565-4620

District: South Texas Independent School District (Isd)

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

82.9%

White:

8.2%

Asian:

6.4%

See top rated Texas high schools

Compare South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 86th percentile in 2016 → 93rd in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Texas average (84% vs 62% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 7% of Texas high schools

✓100% graduate within 4 years

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Algebra I scores 13 pts below the Texas average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school84%

District avg82%

Texas avg62%

137^th of 2,009

Texas public high schools ?

Top 7%▲ up 7 pts since 2016

From top 14% (2016) to top 7% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Texas High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

2^nd of 5High Schools in the South Texas Independent School District (Isd)

58^th of 951South Texas Independent School District (Isd) among Texas districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	84.0	137 of 2009	93.2%	★★★★★
2025	85.9	124 of 1974	93.7%	★★★★★
2024	91.2	42 of 1990	97.9%	★★★★★
2023	88.7	72 of 1961	96.3%	★★★★★
2022	90.4	54 of 1876	97.1%	★★★★★
2021	89.0	66 of 1861	96.5%	★★★★★
2019	89.9	57 of 1857	96.9%	★★★★★
2018	90.6	52 of 1797	97.1%	★★★★★
2017	91.9	48 of 1777	97.3%	★★★★★
2016	74.5	250 of 1762	85.8%	★★★★☆
2015	76.8	198 of 1743	88.6%	★★★★☆
2014	81.5	104 of 1734	94.0%	★★★★★
2013	84.2	55 of 1652	96.7%	★★★★★
2012	85.8	19 of 1603	98.8%	★★★★★
2011	80.3	84 of 1672	95.0%	★★★★★
2010	82.1	40 of 1568	97.4%	★★★★★
2009	85.7	24 of 1539	98.4%	★★★★★
2008	86.8	34 of 1510	97.7%	★★★★★
2007	88.2	17 of 1497	98.9%	★★★★★
2006	88.9	11 of 1430	99.2%	★★★★★
2005	89.6	11 of 1429	99.2%	★★★★★
2004	88.1	10 of 1427	99.3%	★★★★★

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	98.4	1 of 1086	99.9%	★★★★★
2025	90.9	46 of 834	94.5%	★★★★★
2023	96.1	20 of 1069	98.1%	★★★★★
2022	93.9	43 of 1031	95.8%	★★★★★

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	72.5	129 of 556	76.8%	★★★★☆
2025	85.4	5 of 428	98.8%	★★★★★
2024	79.8	53 of 530	90.0%	★★★★★
2023	83.9	13 of 525	97.5%	★★★★★
2022	83.9	33 of 507	93.5%	★★★★★
2021	82.8	35 of 488	92.8%	★★★★★
2019	75.4	91 of 487	81.3%	★★★★☆
2018	83.9	38 of 486	92.2%	★★★★★

At Risk

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2022	90.4	69 of 1837	96.2%	★★★★★
2021	86.7	83 of 1829	95.5%	★★★★★
2019	85.3	107 of 1810	94.1%	★★★★★
2018	77.6	171 of 1784	90.4%	★★★★★

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	75.8	141 of 1195	88.2%	★★★★☆
2025	78.0	132 of 1153	88.6%	★★★★☆
2024	96.1	25 of 1437	98.3%	★★★★★
2023	92.3	56 of 1371	95.9%	★★★★★
2022	83.9	100 of 1278	92.2%	★★★★★
2021	96.2	32 of 1195	97.3%	★★★★★
2019	56.7	316 of 1136	72.2%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	82.1	146 of 1936	92.5%	★★★★★
2025	76.9	176 of 1504	88.3%	★★★★☆
2024	74.9	251 of 1880	86.6%	★★★★☆
2023	84.8	103 of 1891	94.6%	★★★★★
2022	90.0	45 of 1841	97.6%	★★★★★
2021	87.9	70 of 1815	96.1%	★★★★★
2019	88.1	62 of 1798	96.6%	★★★★★
2018	86.4	97 of 1781	94.6%	★★★★★

Gifted and Talented

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	67.1	409 of 1206	66.1%	★★★☆☆
2025	68.3	320 of 964	66.8%	★★★☆☆
2023	67.4	450 of 1182	61.9%	★★★☆☆
2022	59.8	609 of 1172	48.0%	★★☆☆☆
2021	67.9	429 of 1177	63.6%	★★★☆☆
2019	60.3	577 of 1145	49.6%	★★☆☆☆
2018	52.6	721 of 1137	36.6%	★★☆☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	85.9	110 of 1860	94.1%	★★★★★
2025	78.2	147 of 1453	89.9%	★★★★☆
2024	87.5	74 of 1805	95.9%	★★★★★
2023	90.6	55 of 1820	97.0%	★★★★★
2022	91.4	51 of 1762	97.1%	★★★★★
2021	90.1	52 of 1743	97.0%	★★★★★
2019	91.2	54 of 1714	96.8%	★★★★★
2018	90.8	60 of 1691	96.5%	★★★★★

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	88.8	81 of 1937	95.8%	★★★★★
2025	76.7	151 of 1513	90.0%	★★★★★
2024	89.0	68 of 1884	96.4%	★★★★★
2023	89.4	74 of 1897	96.1%	★★★★★
2022	89.9	68 of 1847	96.3%	★★★★★
2021	89.1	58 of 1848	96.9%	★★★★★
2019	89.1	83 of 1818	95.4%	★★★★★
2018	91.9	66 of 1794	96.3%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	84.2	142 of 1954	92.7%	★★★★★
2025	73.4	225 of 1515	85.1%	★★★★☆
2024	88.4	70 of 1891	96.3%	★★★★★
2023	89.9	68 of 1913	96.4%	★★★★★
2022	90.4	59 of 1853	96.8%	★★★★★
2021	88.4	84 of 1840	95.4%	★★★★★
2019	90.2	65 of 1824	96.4%	★★★★★
2018	92.0	50 of 1803	97.2%	★★★★★

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	94.6	4 of 713	99.4%	★★★★★
2025	85.2	36 of 598	94.0%	★★★★★
2022	89.5	31 of 664	95.3%	★★★★★

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	94.5	65 of 1581	95.9%	★★★★★
2025	91.2	50 of 1299	96.2%	★★★★★
2024	95.9	35 of 1548	97.7%	★★★★★
2023	88.9	78 of 1478	94.7%	★★★★★
2022	99.3	22 of 1418	98.4%	★★★★★
2021	73.1	191 of 1382	86.2%	★★★★☆
2019	99.9	6 of 1357	99.6%	★★★★★
2018	62.0	307 of 1347	77.2%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Texas percentile	Rating
2026	71.4	291 of 1584	81.6%	★★★★☆
2025	86.2	51 of 1294	96.1%	★★★★★
2024	90.8	41 of 1556	97.4%	★★★★★
2023	89.9	45 of 1576	97.1%	★★★★★
2022	92.1	22 of 1525	98.6%	★★★★★
2021	94.8	5 of 1510	99.7%	★★★★★
2019	90.9	25 of 1526	98.4%	★★★★★
2018	93.0	21 of 1539	98.6%	★★★★★

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

African American (2026)100th percentile+7 vs school

Multi-racial (2026)99th percentile+6 vs school

At Risk (2022)96th percentile~ school

Special Education (2026)96th percentile+3 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)96th percentile+3 vs school

Hispanic (2026)94th percentile~ school

Male (2026)93rd percentile~ school

Female (2026)92nd percentile~ school

English Language Learner (2026)88th percentile-5 vs school

White (2026)82nd percentile-12 vs school

Asian (2026)77th percentile-16 vs school

Gifted and Talented (2026)66th percentile-27 vs school

By subject vs Texas (2025-2026) ?

U.S. History92%+22 vs state

English II Reading84%+24 vs state

English I Reading83%+28 vs state

Biology82%+11 vs state

Algebra I41%-13 vs state

5.0

1 rating · 1 written review

5★1

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

Rate South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

What people are saying

by a student
Saturday, February 6, 2010

I go to Sci-tech, and it's an extremely amazing school. It provides so many opportunities that a lot of us are afraid to take. When you're here at Sci-tech, you feel compelled to better yourself. The school environment is so positive. The teachers are so helpful and outgoing. The spirit their is contagious. You can't help but just smile all the time there. The students are very friendly. They make you feel apart of something bigger than you, something meaningful. And I for sure am happy that I chose Sci-tech.
Our principle and Vice- Principle, are really down to earth people. They don't sit in their offices all day. No, they interact with everyone. Even know you on a name to name basis. Not because you were a bad student, but because their frequently conversing with the students, they become to form a good relationship with us. Knowing that the staff is down to earth, makes it easier for us to feel we're working in an adult environment. It's them trusting us, that gives us the motivation to do better.

T.Rios Close Quote

Schools Near South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Load more schools when map is moved

Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				STAAR EOC Algebra I (2026)	STAAR EOC Biology (2026)	STAAR EOC English I Reading (2026)	STAAR EOC English II Reading (2026)	STAAR EOC U.S. History (2026)	STAAR Reading (2026)			STAAR Mathematics (2026)		STAAR Social Studies (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	STAAR EOC Algebra I End of Course	STAAR EOC Biology End of Course	STAAR EOC English I Reading End of Course	STAAR EOC English II Reading End of Course	STAAR EOC U.S. History End of Course	STAAR Reading 6th Grade	STAAR Reading 7th Grade	STAAR Reading 8th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 6th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 8th Grade	STAAR Social Studies 8th Grade	Total
South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy	Public, Magnet	9-12	900 Med High Dr	Mercedes	78570	Hidalgo County	South Texas Independent School District (Isd)	No	Yes	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 565-4620	840	65	12.8	54.8%	69 (8.2%)	14 (1.7%)	696 (82.9%)	54 (6.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (0.8%)	84	137^th of 2009 public high schools	93.2%		85.9	124^th of 1974 public high schools	93.7%	13	41.2	81.6	83.0	83.7	91.8							$14,808
South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Health Professions	Public, Magnet	9-12	700 Med High Dr	Mercedes	78570	Hidalgo County	South Texas Independent School District (Isd)	No	Yes	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 565-2237	781	54	14.5	64.1%	44 (5.6%)	11 (1.4%)	667 (85.4%)	55 (7.0%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.4%)	78.8	236^th of 2009 public high schools	88.3%		81	209^th of 1974 public high schools	89.4%	27	57.1	80.0	83.9	85.1	76.4							$16,697
South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Virtual Academy	Public, Virtual	6-12	100 Med High Dr	Mercedes	78570	Hidalgo County	South Texas Independent School District (Isd)	No	(n/a)	Yes	(n/a)	(956) 514-4201	212	16	13.6	63.7%	41 (19.3%)	2 (0.9%)	165 (77.8%)	3 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	62.3	614^th of 2009 public high schools	69.4%					(n/a)	47.8	63.0	71.4	79.4	94.9	76.2	63.6	59.1	47.6	42.2	29.6	$13,736
South Palm Gardens High School	Public	9-12	2607 Camino Real Viejo	Mercedes	78570	Hidalgo County	Weslaco Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	No	(956) 565-0404	72	5	14.8	93.1%	1 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	71 (98.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	16.5	1702^nd of 2009 public high schools	15.3%					(n/a)			33.3	30.8	47.6							$20,809
Mercedes Early College Academy	Public	9-12	950 W 6th St	Mercedes	78570	Hidalgo County	Mercedes Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 514-5180	355	22	15.9	80.0%	5 (1.4%)	1 (0.3%)	348 (98.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	55.5	807^th of 2009 public high schools	59.8%		62.7	607^th of 1974 public high schools	69.3%	200	44.2	68.1	40.8	73.9	73.6							$8,738
Triumph Public High Schools-Mercedes	Public, Charter	9-12	103 E 2nd St	Mercedes	78570	Hidalgo County	Triumph Public High Schools-Rio Grande Valley	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 565-5417	109	5	22.1		1 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	108 (99.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5.1	1882^nd of 2009 public high schools	6.3%		7.2	1825^th of 1974 public high schools	7.5%	57	26.9	34.5	13.3	11.4	26.5							$13,098
Weslaco East High School	Public	9-12	810 S Pleasantview Dr	Weslaco	78596	Hidalgo County	Weslaco Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 969-6950	2,066	127	16.2	86.0%	11 (0.5%)	4 (0.2%)	2,050 (99.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	34.9	1364^th of 2009 public high schools	32.1%		26.4	1487^th of 1974 public high schools	24.7%	123	56.9	59.8	35.8	47.5	60.4							$11,589
Premier H S Of Weslaco	Public, Charter	9-12	2419 Haggar Ave	Weslaco	78596	Hidalgo County	Premier High Schools	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 781-8800	112	4	25.3	95.5%	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	112 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	36.2	1331^st of 2009 public high schools	33.7%		20.3	1608^th of 1974 public high schools	18.5%	277	64.7	43.8	40.0	50.0	61.5							$8,780
Texasworks - Weslaco	Public, Charter	9-12	2419 E Haggar Ave	Weslaco	78599	Hidalgo County	Texas Works	Yes	(n/a)	(n/a)	(n/a)	(972) 316-3663	29	1	29.0		1 (3.4%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (96.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5.9	1864^th of 2009 public high schools	7.2%					(n/a)	20.0			28.6	20.0
Mercedes High School	Public	9-12	1200 S Florida	Mercedes	78570	Hidalgo County	Mercedes Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 514-2100	903	61	14.8	92.0%	15 (1.7%)	2 (0.2%)	882 (97.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.2%)	16.3	1707^th of 2009 public high schools	15.0%		11.3	1760^th of 1974 public high schools	10.8%	53	23.9	38.1	21.0	48.2	44.8							$13,666

Frequently Asked Questions about South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

How many students attend South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy?

In the 2024-25 school year, 840 students attended South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy.

What district is South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy in?

South Texas Independent School District (Isd)

What is the racial makeup of South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy?

Students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy are 83% Hispanic, 8% White, 6% Asian, 2% African American.

Is South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy a good school?

Yes. South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy ranks in the top 6.8% of Texas high schools.

Rate South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

TXTexas High School Rankings

TXTexas District Rankings

Schools in Mercedes, TX

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy!

Latest Texas data All new data »

2025–26 STAAR, STAAR EOC & STAAR Spanish test scoresJun 12, 2026

2021–22 through 2023–24 school spending dataJan 10, 2026

2023–24 dropout rates & graduation ratesSep 17, 2025

2024–25 STAAR EOC & STAAR Spanish test scoresJun 23, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Texas Education Agency.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.