Windthorst Elementary

Windthorst Elementary is a small, rural PK-5 school in Windthorst, TX, serving 257 students as part of the top-performing Windthorst Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the 98th percentile statewide. This school has consistently earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger over the past five years, currently placing in the 95th percentile among all Texas elementary schools—a remarkable climb from its 3-star status in the 70th percentile just a decade ago.

What truly sets Windthorst Elementary apart is its exceptional support for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, ranking in the 99th percentile statewide for effectiveness with this group. This means the school is highly successful at ensuring economic disadvantage does not hinder academic achievement. Compared to nearby Archer City Elementary, Windthorst shows stronger consistency in top-tier rankings and superior early literacy skills, with 85% of 3rd graders proficient in reading versus Archer City’s 64.5%. The school also excels in science, with 5th graders scoring more than double the state average in proficiency. Impressively, Windthorst achieves these results with slightly fewer resources per student ($9,469) than Archer City ($9,835), demonstrating efficient use of its budget.

While the school’s overall performance is outstanding, there is a notable area for growth: its work with Hispanic students, who currently rank in the 68th percentile. This gap highlights an opportunity to ensure all student groups benefit equally from the school’s high-quality instruction. Windthorst has also shown dramatic improvement in serving "At Risk" students, jumping from the 52nd percentile to the 91st percentile in recent years. With a student-teacher ratio of 15.1 and a strong upward trajectory, this school offers a well-rounded, equitable education that consistently outperforms state averages in reading, math, and science.