Summary:
This analysis examines five middle schools (Grades 6-8) in the 78046 zip code of Laredo, Texas, serving approximately 3,863 students across two districts, with a high level of economic disadvantage.
Four of the five schools belong to the United Independent School District (Isd), while Joaquin Cigarroa Middle is part of the Laredo Independent School District (Isd). Los Obispos Middle stands out as the top performer, consistently earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 66th percentile statewide, with exceptional 6th-grade Math proficiency (65.91%) far exceeding state averages. Antonio Gonzalez Middle is a rising star, improving to the 62nd percentile and achieving the highest 8th-grade Math rate (73.89%) in the area. Ricardo Molina Middle provides consistent performance with a 3-star rating and mid-50th percentile rankings. In contrast, Joaquin Cigarroa Middle has the highest economic disadvantage (99.62%) and lowest overall scores, though it shows positive momentum by improving from a 1-star to a 2-star rating and from the 23rd to 36th percentile. Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle ranks similarly at the 36th percentile.
A key finding is the "Algebra I Paradox": despite struggles in grade-level Math, all five schools achieve Algebra I proficiency rates above 87%, with Joaquin Cigarroa Middle and Los Obispos Middle reaching 100%, roughly double the state average. Mathematics is a major differentiator, with wide gaps between top and bottom schools, while 8th-grade Social Studies is a universal weakness, with all schools falling below the state average. Dropout rates are very low across the board, ranging from 0.0% to 0.6%.
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