Summary:
This analysis examines eight elementary schools in the 76502 zip code (Temple, TX), serving grades PK-5 across two districts: Belton Independent School District (Isd) and Temple Independent School District (Isd).
The most important finding for parents is that the school district a child is zoned for within this zip code dramatically impacts academic outcomes. Charter Oak Elementary (Belton ISD) is the clear top performer, with the highest state ranking (63rd percentile), a low student-to-teacher ratio of 12.7, and 5th-grade Science scores nearly double the state average. James L Burrell Elementary (Belton ISD) stands out for consistency and efficiency, with the lowest free/reduced lunch rate (27.25%) and steady 3-star ratings. In contrast, Thornton Elementary (Temple ISD) shows a strong upward trend in Math scores, bucking the district's overall pattern. A notable anomaly is High Point Elementary (Belton ISD), which despite being in the higher-performing district, has the lowest state ranking (13th percentile) and alarmingly low 3rd-grade Reading (23.86%) and Math (19.32%) scores, suggesting a localized challenge.
Key metrics reveal a clear district performance gap: Belton ISD schools average a 40.4 state percentile rank, while Temple ISD schools average 29.7. Socioeconomic diversity is stark, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 27.25% at Burrell to 81.18% at Sampson-Howard Elementary. Science is a universal weak point, with only Charter Oak and Joe M Pirtle Elementary exceeding the state average. Spending per student varies but does not directly correlate with performance; for instance, Charter Oak spends $10,302 per student, while Joe M Pirtle spends the most at $10,643 but achieves mid-range results. Reading is a relative strength for Temple ISD schools like Raye-Allen Elementary, where 3rd-grade Reading (55.56%) exceeds the state average, while Math remains a significant area for improvement across the district.
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