Summary:
This analysis examines two middle schools (Grades 6-8) in the 76657 zip code (McGregor, TX), revealing a stark contrast between River Valley Middle and Isbill J H.
River Valley Middle, part of the Midway Independent School District (Isd), is the standout school. It is a large, high-performing institution with 902 students, a low rate of economic disadvantage (28.16% free/reduced lunch), and a consistent 5-star rating. Its academic performance is exceptional, often exceeding state averages by wide margins. For example, 79.3% of 6th graders are proficient in Reading, and 67.42% of 7th graders are proficient in Math, compared to state averages of 53.52% and 29.41%, respectively. In contrast, Isbill J H, part of the McGregor Independent School District (Isd), is a smaller school (333 students) facing significant challenges. It has a 2-star rating, a high rate of economic disadvantage (52.25% free/reduced lunch), and struggles to meet state averages in core subjects. For instance, only 10.34% of its 7th graders are proficient in Math, and 28.18% of 8th graders are proficient in Science.
Despite its overall struggles, Isbill J H shows a remarkable strength in advanced mathematics, with 89.47% of its Algebra I test-takers proficient in 2025-2026, nearly matching River Valley Middle's 96.2% rate. This suggests an effective, but small, advanced math program. The data also highlights that a lower student-teacher ratio at Isbill J H (11.0) does not translate into better outcomes compared to River Valley Middle (13.9), indicating that factors like curriculum quality and socioeconomic challenges play a more decisive role. Overall, families in this zip code face a clear choice between a top-tier, high-performing school and a smaller school in need of significant support.
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