Summary:
This analysis examines three middle schools in the 75503 zip code of Texarkana, Texas, serving grades 6-8 (with one exception) and representing a diverse range of educational environments, from a large urban school to smaller suburban campuses.
The standout school in the area is Red Lick Middle, a small academic powerhouse ranked in the 95th percentile statewide. It achieves a perfect 100% proficiency rate on the Algebra I EOC exam and posts scores that exceed state averages by 30-40 percentage points in core subjects like Reading (85.84%) and Math (61.40%). Pleasant Grove Middle is a consistent high-achiever, ranking in the 91st percentile with excellent Reading scores (79.97%) and a 0% dropout rate, though its 7th-grade Math proficiency (20.83%) is a notable weak point. In stark contrast, Texas Middle is the largest school (1,421 students) and serves a population where 79.66% are economically disadvantaged. It ranks in the 26th percentile, with test scores significantly below state averages, such as 40.19% in Reading and 26.34% in Math, and has a 0.9% dropout rate. Despite these challenges, Texas Middle posted an impressive 85.71% proficiency in Algebra I, a clear strength to build upon.
Key takeaways include that spending per student does not guarantee success—Red Lick Independent School District (Isd) spends $10,227 per student and achieves top results, while Texarkana Independent School District (Isd) spends $10,045 with far weaker outcomes. The socioeconomic divide is a defining factor, with higher poverty at Texas Middle correlating with lower performance. Pleasant Grove Independent School District (Isd) offers a reliable, high-quality option, while Red Lick Middle serves as a model of excellence in a tight-knit environment. For parents, this area presents a clear choice between high-performing suburban schools and a larger urban school with significant needs but potential bright spots.
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