Summary:
This analysis examines three middle schools in the 77093 zip code of Houston, Texas: Idea Hardy College Preparatory (grades 6-10), Henry Middle (grades 6-8), and North East Stem Academy (grades 6-8). All three schools serve a highly economically disadvantaged population, with free/reduced lunch rates above 93%.
North East Stem Academy stands out as the top overall performer, earning a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger and ranking in the 43rd percentile statewide—a significant improvement from its 1-star ranking two years prior. It is the only school in the area to consistently meet or exceed state averages in 6th-grade Reading and Math, and it boasts a 0.0% dropout rate. In contrast, Henry Middle has the most volatile performance; while it ranks lowest overall (12th percentile), it produced the single best academic result in the zip code with 92.31% of its Algebra I students scoring proficient, nearly double the state average. Idea Hardy College Preparatory, the largest school with 635 students, has been consistently in the bottom quartile but shows a clear strength in U.S. History, where 82.72% of students were proficient, outperforming both its district and the state.
Key takeaways include that spending does not guarantee success—Idea Hardy College Preparatory spends over $15,000 per student but ranks lower than Henry Middle, which spends about $10,500 per student. Additionally, all three schools experience a significant drop in Reading proficiency between 6th and 8th grade, suggesting a systemic challenge with preparing students for more complex texts. The data also reveals a "barbell effect" at Henry Middle, where a small group of advanced math students excel while the majority struggle in standard classes.
Thank you for your feedback!