Summary:
Zip code 75142 in Kaufman, Texas, is home to two high schools within the Kaufman Independent School District (Isd): the large, traditional Kaufman High School and the very small, specialized Gary W Campbell High School.
Kaufman High School is the area's primary comprehensive high school, serving 1,294 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14.5:1. It stands out for its strong upward trajectory, with its state ranking climbing from the 50th percentile to the 62nd percentile over three years. The school boasts an exceptional 99.6% graduation rate and a 0.1% dropout rate. While its academic performance is mixed compared to state averages, it significantly outperforms the state in Algebra I (69.8% vs. 54.03% proficient). In contrast, Gary W Campbell High School is a tiny alternative campus with only 13 students and a 2.2:1 student-teacher ratio, designed for a highly supportive, non-traditional environment. It spends $32,581 per student—over three times the $10,312 spent at Kaufman High School—yet its state rankings and test scores are lower and less consistent. However, it achieves a 97.8% graduation rate and a 0.0% dropout rate, suggesting it successfully serves its specialized student population.
Both schools serve a student body with significant economic need, with 67.16% of students at Kaufman High School and 76.92% at Gary W Campbell High School qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The most striking finding is the resource disparity: Gary W Campbell's high per-student spending does not translate into higher academic outcomes, likely due to fixed costs spread across a tiny enrollment. Meanwhile, Kaufman High School's consistent improvement in core subjects like Algebra I and Biology, despite its socioeconomic context, highlights a positive trend for the district. For parents, Kaufman High School offers a large, improving environment with strong graduation rates, while Gary W Campbell High School provides an intensely personalized setting for students who may need an alternative path to graduation.
Thank you for your feedback!