Best Public Schools in Zip Code 78045

The 17 schools in Laredo's 78045 zip code, all part of the United Independent School District (Isd), serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade and present a landscape of stark contrasts, where high-performing schools coexist with those facing significant challenges, often linked to socioeconomic factors.

San Isidro Elementary is the standout school in the area, ranking in the 96th percentile statewide with a relatively low free/reduced lunch rate of 35.89%. Other top-tier 5-star schools include Col Santos Benavides Elementary and Trautmann Elementary. At the middle school level, Trautmann Middle is the highest-ranked, achieving a 90th percentile ranking despite a 58.6% poverty rate, making it a notable exception to the trend. In contrast, Salvador Garcia Middle is the lowest-ranked school in the zip code (33rd percentile) and has the highest poverty rate at 98.06%. Radcliffe & Sue Killam Elementary (40th percentile) and Julia Bird Jones Muller Elementary (65th percentile) also struggle, with poverty rates above 80%. The single high school, United High School, is a beacon of success with a 97% graduation rate and strong subject scores.

A key finding is that higher spending does not guarantee better results; Salvador Garcia Middle spends the most per student ($12,274) yet is the lowest-ranked. Another striking anomaly is that every middle school reports 100% proficiency on the Algebra I EOC exam, far exceeding the state average of 54%. Finally, 5th Grade Science is a consistent weakness across all elementary schools, representing a clear area for district-wide improvement.