Best Public Schools in Zip Code 76634

The three public schools in zip code 76634, serving the Clifton Independent School District (Isd), offer a compelling mix of strengths and challenges for families, with a total enrollment of 1,001 students across elementary, middle, and high school grades. Clifton Middle stands out as the academic powerhouse, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 78th percentile, driven by exceptional performance in advanced coursework like Algebra I, where it achieved a staggering 90.91% proficiency rate. In contrast, Clifton High School is the consistency champion, boasting a perfect 100% graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate, though its Algebra I proficiency (15.15%) lags far behind the middle school, likely because high school students are taking or retaking the course. Clifton Elementary faces the most significant challenges, with a 2-star rating and the highest economic disadvantage rate (66.15%), particularly struggling in 3rd-grade math where only 22.22% of students are proficient.

Key metrics reveal a district with strong community engagement but variable academic performance. The district ranks in the 68th percentile statewide, with low student-teacher ratios (11.7:1 to 13.9:1) and spending per student ranging from $10,596 at the elementary to $13,352 at the high school. While elementary math is a critical weakness—with all three grades scoring below state averages—science is a clear success story, with 5th-grade science outperforming the state and high school Biology reaching 84.06% proficiency. Additionally, Clifton Middle excels in 8th-grade Social Studies, significantly outperforming state averages at 45.45% proficiency.

Interesting takeaways include the "Algebra I anomaly," where the middle school far exceeds the high school in math proficiency, and the "Clifton Effect," where a 100% graduation rate and 0% dropout rate persist despite economic challenges. This suggests a strong support system that prioritizes student persistence, even as foundational math gaps at the elementary level need attention. For parents, this district offers a nurturing environment with standout middle school academics and high school stability, but elementary math remains an area for focused improvement.