Summary:
In zip code 75785, there is a single middle school, Rusk J H, serving grades 6 through 8 in Rusk, Texas, with an enrollment of 458 students and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.5:1.
Rusk J H is part of the Rusk Independent School District (Isd), which holds a 3-star rating and ranks in the 55th percentile among Texas districts. The school itself has seen a declining state ranking over three years, dropping from the 71st percentile (4 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 55th percentile (3 stars) in 2025-2026. A standout feature is its exceptional performance in Algebra I, with over 93% of 8th graders scoring proficient on the STAAR End-of-Course exam—nearly double the state average of 54%. However, this contrasts sharply with struggles in standard math: only 14.86% of 7th graders met proficiency in general math, well below the state average of 29.41%. Reading is a relative strength, with 6th and 7th graders outperforming state averages, though 8th-grade reading (51.83%) falls slightly below the state norm (58.69%). The school also boasts a perfect 0.0% dropout rate.
Key takeaways for parents include the school's "math paradox"—it excels at accelerating top students into advanced Algebra I while the majority of students in grade-level math lag significantly. This suggests strong targeted programs for high achievers but a need for broader math support. With 62.23% of students economically disadvantaged, the school demonstrates that focused instruction can overcome socioeconomic barriers in specific subjects like Algebra I and reading, even as overall state rankings decline due to weaker performance in general math and social studies. The declining trend in state ranking is a point to monitor, but the school's strengths in advanced coursework and low dropout rates offer positive signals.
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