Summary:
This analysis examines three high schools in the 77581 zip code of Pearland, Texas, serving grades 9-12 within the highly-rated Pearland Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the 92nd percentile statewide.
Glenda Dawson High School stands out as the top performer in the area, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 91st percentile for the 2025-2026 school year. It consistently outperforms Pearland High School across all STAAR EOC subjects, including a 68% proficiency rate in Algebra I compared to Pearland's 54%, and boasts a slightly higher graduation rate of 98.4%. While both traditional high schools significantly exceed state averages, Glenda Dawson has been on an upward trend, while Pearland High has seen a slight decline in its state rank. Pace Center is a distinct outlier as a small alternative school with only 96 students, serving grades 10-12. It has a very different mission, reflected in its high per-student spending of $26,907 and a low student-to-teacher ratio of 5.9:1, which supports intensive instruction for a student population with higher economic needs (64.58% free/reduced lunch). Its test scores are much lower than the traditional schools, but its 0.0% dropout rate is a strong indicator of success in keeping at-risk students engaged.
A key takeaway is the performance gap between the two traditional high schools, despite Glenda Dawson having slightly lower per-student spending ($9,263 vs. $10,094). This suggests factors like school culture and demographics play a significant role. The district's overall strength is clear, with both Pearland High and Glenda Dawson High outperforming state averages in all subjects, and the district graduation rate sits at a strong 97.9%. The inclusion of Pace Center demonstrates the district's commitment to serving all students through specialized programs.
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