Best Public Schools in Zip Code 78043

The 19 schools in zip code 78043, serving parts of Laredo and Rio Bravo, Texas, are primarily split between the Laredo Independent School District (Isd) and the United Independent School District (Isd), and serve students from elementary through high school in a community with very high levels of economic disadvantage.

The standout school in the area is Ryan Elementary, which ranks in the 99th percentile among Texas elementary schools and earns a perfect 5-star rating, achieving test scores far above state averages despite 87% of its students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Another strong performer is D D Hachar Elementary, which has maintained a 4-star rating for three years and shows particular strength in upper elementary grades. In contrast, Nixon High School is deeply struggling, ranking in the bottom 15th percentile with a 1-star rating and critically low proficiency rates, including only 5% of students proficient in English II Reading. The two charter high schools, Premier H S Of Laredo and Texasworks - Laredo, are among the lowest-performing schools in the zip code, with very low graduation rates and abysmal test scores.

A key takeaway is that poverty is not destiny, as Ryan and D D Hachar Elementary prove that effective leadership and teaching can overcome significant socioeconomic barriers. However, there is a clear performance gap between the two main districts, with United ISD schools generally performing at or above state averages while Laredo ISD shows a wider range from stellar to struggling. The extreme spending at F S Lara Academy ($123,428 per student) versus the minimal spending at Youth Village Detention Center ($2,564 per student) highlights the wide range of educational services provided, from intensive support for high-needs students to a bare-minimum model for incarcerated youth.