Summary:
This analysis examines six elementary schools in the 77047 zip code of Houston, Texas, serving grades PK-5 in a high-poverty area where academic performance is generally well below state averages.
Among these schools, KIPP Zenith Academy stands out as the most consistent performer, with the highest enrollment (780 students) and a steady 2-star rating, making it the only school in the area to score above the state average in any subject (49.52% proficiency in 4th Grade Reading). In contrast, Bloom Academy Charter School and Reve Preparatory Charter School are the most challenged, ranking in the 2nd and 1st percentiles respectively, with some grades recording 0% proficiency in math and science despite having the highest spending per student ($14,801 and $13,160). Woodson School shows a remarkable upward trajectory, climbing from the bottom 2% to the 35th percentile in two years, while Law Elementary is declining, with 3rd-grade reading proficiency falling to 21.95%. Almeda Elementary performs in the middle range, with 4th-grade reading at 36.44% proficiency.
Key metrics reveal an average free/reduced lunch rate of 93.8%, an average state ranking in the 18.8th percentile, and average spending per student of $11,143—higher than the state average but negatively correlated with performance. Science is a universal weakness, with 5th-grade proficiency rates below 20% at all schools. A notable "spending paradox" emerges: the two charter schools spending the most produce the worst results, while KIPP Zenith Academy spends the least ($9,314) and performs best. The student-teacher ratio at Reve Preparatory Charter School (289:1) is likely a data error. Overall, 4th-grade reading is a relative bright spot, with several schools outperforming their own 3rd-grade scores, suggesting targeted literacy efforts may be working.
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