Sanderson Schools

Sanderson Schools in Sanderson, TX, is a small, K-12 alternative school serving just 114 students in the remote Terrell County Independent School District (Isd), with no other schools within 20 miles for comparison.

This school stands out for its exceptional graduation rate, achieving 100% in four of the last five years, and an extremely low student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, which allows for personalized attention. However, performance varies by grade level. High school students excel on End of Course (EOC) exams, with 90.91% proficient in Biology and 90% in English I Reading in the 2025-2026 school year, well above state averages. In contrast, elementary and middle school test scores are inconsistent and often below state averages, such as 33.33% proficiency in 7th Grade Reading versus the state's 54.04%. A notable weakness is Algebra I, where proficiency has lingered in the teens and low 20s for three years, far below the state average in the mid-40s.

The school's small size creates both strengths and challenges. High per-student spending, over $19,500 annually, supports the low student-to-teacher ratio and comprehensive K-12 program, but also leads to volatile test scores, as a single student's performance can swing percentages by 10-20 points. While the school effectively ensures students graduate, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen academic foundations in earlier grades, particularly in math, to better prepare students for high school coursework. Overall, Sanderson Schools is a high-performing institution for its primary mission of graduating students, but families should be aware of the uneven performance across grade levels.