Summary:
In zip code 76001 (Arlington, TX), there are two middle schools—Cross Timbers Intermediate (grades 5-6) and T A Howard Middle (grades 7-8)—both part of the highly rated Mansfield Independent School District (Isd), serving a combined 1,162 students with over 70% qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
T A Howard Middle stands out for its exceptional Algebra I program, with 78.46% of students scoring proficient on the End-of-Course exam in 2025-26—well above the state average of 54%. However, this success contrasts sharply with other subjects: only 8.98% of 8th graders were proficient in Social Studies, and 33.58% in Science, creating a 69-point gap between its best and worst scores. In comparison, Cross Timbers Intermediate struggles most in math, with proficiency rates around 25% for both 5th and 6th grades—roughly half the district average. Reading proficiency is more consistent across both schools, ranging from 41% to 53%, though still below district benchmarks.
The two schools form a continuous pipeline from 5th to 8th grade, and the data reveals a systemic challenge: weak math foundations at the intermediate level (Cross Timbers) create a steep hill for T A Howard to climb. While T A Howard’s advanced math program helps some students excel, the majority still underperform in core subjects. Both schools serve high-poverty populations with per-student spending around $9,500, which may contribute to their difficulty keeping pace with more affluent peers in the same district. For parents, the key takeaway is that T A Howard offers a standout math pathway for advanced learners, but overall academic performance lags behind district averages, particularly in science and social studies.
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