Summary:
The seven schools in Waco, Texas zip code 76704 serve a diverse range of students from elementary through high school, including two alternative campuses, and are split between the Waco Independent School District (Isd) and the Rapoport Academy Public School charter network, with the area facing significant economic challenges as indicated by high free and reduced lunch rates.
The standout performer in this zip code is Paul And Jane Meyer Public High School, which earned a 3-star rating and ranks in the 69th percentile statewide, boasting a 97.7% graduation rate and test scores that meet or exceed state averages in core subjects. Its feeder school, Quinn Campus Public Middle, is notable for achieving 100% proficiency on the Algebra I End-of-Course exam for two consecutive years, far outpacing district and state averages. In contrast, traditional Waco ISD schools like G W Carver Middle and J H Hines Elementary struggle significantly, with proficiency rates often below 2% in core subjects like math, placing them in the bottom 5% of Texas schools. The alternative schools serve unique populations: G L Wiley Opportunity Center spends an extraordinary $121,135 per student with a 6.5:1 student-teacher ratio, while Bill Logue Detention Center has just 11 students and a 0% graduation rate.
Overall, the data reveals a clear divide between the Rapoport Academy schools, which achieve moderate to strong results despite serving a majority low-income population, and the Waco ISD traditional schools, which face profound academic challenges. The Rapoport Academy's low dropout rates (0.4% to 0.8%) and consistent performance suggest a different educational model is yielding better outcomes for students in the same neighborhood. Meanwhile, the high spending at G L Wiley Opportunity Center highlights the intensive resources needed for its high-need students, though academic scores remain low, indicating its success may be measured by stabilization and engagement rather than test scores alone.
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