Markham Elementary

Markham Elementary is a small, rural PK-5 school in Markham, Texas, serving 255 students as part of the high-performing Tidehaven Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the 96th percentile statewide. This school has earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for six consecutive years, climbing from the 58th percentile in 2015-2016 to consistently ranking in the top 5% of all Texas elementary schools—currently at 232 out of 4,627 schools (95th percentile).

What truly sets Markham Elementary apart is its exceptional performance for all students, especially those who often face the biggest challenges. The school ranks in the 98th-99th percentile for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, proving it effectively overcomes barriers associated with poverty. It also achieves elite results for its Gifted and Talented program, ranking #1 in the entire state of Texas in 2024-2025. In contrast, nearby schools like Tenie Holmes Elementary (33rd percentile) and Van Vleck Elementary (34th percentile) rank in the bottom third of the state. Even more impressive, Markham achieves these results while spending $11,370 per student—less than Van Vleck Elementary's $12,760 per student—demonstrating exceptional efficiency and a strong return on investment.

Markham's academic excellence is consistent across all grades and subjects. In the most recent school year, every grade level (3rd, 4th, and 5th) scored above 66% proficient in both Reading and Math, with 5th grade Math reaching an incredible 96% proficiency. The school's sister campus, Blessing Elementary, is also a top performer, creating a healthy, high-performing rivalry within the Tidehaven district. While Science is a relative weakness—with 5th-grade proficiency at 65.52% compared to 96.55% in Reading—this still far exceeds the state average of 29.57%. Markham's dramatic improvement over the past decade suggests a successful, sustained school improvement initiative that has fundamentally changed the culture and instructional quality.