Summary:
Zip code 76018 in Arlington, TX, is home to 12 schools serving grades PK-12, predominantly within the Arlington Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the 30th percentile statewide, and is characterized by a high level of economic disadvantage, with an average of 80.4% of students receiving free or reduced lunch.
The standout performer is Arlington Collegiate High School, a magnet school ranked in the 96th percentile with a perfect 100% graduation rate and exceptional test scores, such as 94% proficiency in English I Reading, all while spending the least per student ($6,870). In stark contrast, Venture Alter High School ranks in the 3rd percentile, has the highest dropout rate (5.0%), and spends the most per student ($16,727) with poor outcomes. Among middle schools, Ousley J H and Barnett J H show a paradox: they excel in Algebra I proficiency (over 93% pass rates) but struggle with standard grade-level math, with only 10-17% proficiency in 7th Grade Math. Elementary schools like Bebensee Elementary and Williams Elementary generally perform below state averages, with very low 5th Grade Science proficiency (e.g., 5.97% at Williams).
A key takeaway is that spending does not guarantee success, as Arlington Collegiate High School proves high-poverty schools can achieve elite results with efficient resource use, while Venture Alter High School shows high spending does not overcome challenges. The "middle school math paradox" highlights a bifurcated student body where top students are accelerated, but the majority lag behind. Charter schools like Trinity Basin Preparatory - Arlington and Manara Stem Academy - Arlington are ranked in the bottom 25% of Texas elementary schools, offering no clear advantage over traditional public schools. Overall, families should consider the stark differences between schools, with Arlington Collegiate High School being the clear top choice for high school, while other schools face significant academic hurdles.
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