Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools in zip code 77378 (Willis, TX), all part of the Willis Independent School District (Isd), serving grades K-5 with a combined enrollment of about 2,564 students.
Turner Elementary is the clear academic leader, achieving the highest state ranking (54th percentile) and strongest math scores while spending the least per student ($8,422) and having the lowest poverty rate. In contrast, C C Hardy Elementary is the most challenged school, with the lowest state ranking (7th percentile) and highest poverty rate, spending the most per student ($9,351) yet achieving the worst academic outcomes. Parmley Elementary shows an inconsistent pattern, excelling in reading and 3rd grade math but struggling significantly in 4th and 5th grade math. Edward B Cannan Elementary falls in the middle of the pack, with a 36th percentile state ranking and moderate performance across subjects.
A critical finding is that higher spending does not guarantee better results, as C C Hardy's high spending yields poor performance while Turner's efficiency demonstrates that resource allocation matters more than total expenditure. Science scores are a district-wide weakness, with only Parmley exceeding the state average in 5th grade science. The strong correlation between poverty rates and academic performance underscores the challenges these schools face, though Turner's success shows that overcoming these barriers is possible with effective strategies.
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