Best Public Schools in Zip Code 76471

The two public schools in zip code 76471, serving the rural community of Rising Star, Texas, are both part of the Rising Star Independent School District (Isd), which holds a 2-star rating and ranks in the 37th percentile statewide. Rising Star High School (grades 6-12, 93 students) is the standout, showing remarkable academic momentum by jumping from a 1-star to a 3-star rating in one year, boasting a perfect 100% graduation rate and 0% dropout rate. In contrast, Rising Star Elementary (grades PK-5, 88 students) consistently ranks in the bottom 11% of Texas elementary schools, with test scores significantly below state averages across all subjects.

Key metrics reveal a stark contrast between the two schools. The high school excels in English I and II Reading and U.S. History, performing at or above state averages, while the elementary school struggles profoundly, especially in Mathematics where proficiency rates range from 14% to 21% compared to state averages of 44-49%. Both schools benefit from very low student-teacher ratios (8.3:1 at the high school, 10:1 at the elementary) and above-average per-student spending ($12,226 and $10,198 respectively), yet the elementary school fails to leverage these advantages. A critical red flag emerged in the 2024-2025 school year when 0% of 5th graders were proficient in Science, indicating a complete breakdown in instruction at that grade level.

The most interesting finding is the "feeder school" problem: the elementary school is not building a strong academic foundation, particularly in math, creating a significant challenge for the high school. However, the high school has implemented highly effective math interventions, with 8th-grade math proficiency jumping from 30.77% to 50% and Algebra I soaring from 12.5% to 41.67% in one year. This suggests that while the elementary school needs curriculum reform and instructional changes, Rising Star High School is a success story in the making, demonstrating that dedicated staff and positive school culture can overcome challenges from a struggling feeder school and high poverty rates.