Stanton-Smith Elementary

Stanton-Smith Elementary in Whitehouse, TX, is a high-performing PK-5 school serving 486 students within the top-rated Whitehouse Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the top 6% of all Texas districts.

This school stands out for its consistently elite academic performance, ranking in the 96th percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year. Test scores are exceptional, often exceeding district averages by 10-20 percentage points and state averages by 25-40 percentage points. For example, 5th-grade reading proficiency is 89.29% compared to the state average of 58.47%. Stanton-Smith is the clear academic leader within its district, outperforming nearby schools like H L Higgins Elementary and Mozelle Brown Elementary, which, while still above state averages, lag significantly behind. The contrast with schools just a few miles away is striking—for instance, Clarkston Elementary in Tyler Independent School District (Isd) ranks in the 20th percentile, and Cumberland Academy Upper Elementary ranks in the 8th percentile. This highlights the profound impact of the local community and school district on a child's educational opportunities.

Perhaps most impressive is Stanton-Smith's ability to drive success for students from all backgrounds. The school ranks in the 98th percentile for serving students from low socio-economic status families, making it one of the best in the state at ensuring these students achieve academic success. This is a powerful indicator of effective teaching and support systems. The school also demonstrates efficient use of resources, spending $9,983 per student while achieving far higher results than schools with similar or higher spending. The only area requiring attention is the recent decline in performance for African American students, which dropped from the 91st to the 65th percentile over two years. Overall, Stanton-Smith is a model of academic excellence that provides a world-class education for its students.