Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 75217

This analysis examines 19 elementary schools in the 75217 zip code of Dallas, Texas, serving grades PK-5 in a community where an average of 96.8% of students are economically disadvantaged.

The standout school in this area is Gilbert Cuellar Senior Elementary, the only school to earn a 4-star rating and rank in the 80th percentile statewide, proving that high achievement is possible despite 98% economic disadvantage. W A Blair Elementary showed the most dramatic improvement, jumping from the 5th to the 57th percentile over two years. Sylvia Mendez Crew Leadership Academy has been consistently strong, ranking in the 67th-72nd percentile and excelling in math, with 5th graders achieving 83% proficiency. In contrast, the charter schools A+ Academy Elementary and Inspired Vision Academy Elementary have consistently ranked in the bottom 20% of Texas schools. Most schools are part of the Dallas Independent School District (Isd), which holds a 3-star state-wide district rank.

Key findings show that math scores often exceed reading scores across the area, and many schools perform better on Spanish-language reading tests than English ones, suggesting bilingual programs are effective. Science is a significant weakness, with the average 5th-grade proficiency at just 13.1% compared to the state average of 29.57%. The average state percentile for all schools is 38.5, below the state median, and spending per student averages $12,048 with no clear link to performance. The success of Gilbert Cuellar Senior Elementary demonstrates that with effective leadership and instruction, schools in this high-need community can achieve exceptional results.