Summary:
The two public schools in zip code 78146 (Pettus, TX) serve 377 students from Pre-K through 12th grade within the Pettus Independent School District (Isd), a district ranked in the 40th percentile statewide.
Pettus Secondary stands out for its perfect 100% graduation rate and 0% dropout rate, alongside strong high school performance in English II Reading (78.79% proficient) and U.S. History (83.33% proficient), both well above state averages. However, the school shows a clear "middle school slump," with 6th-grade math proficiency at just 20% and mixed results in other subjects. In contrast, Pettus Elementary has declined steadily, dropping to a 1-star rating (24th percentile) with consistently below-average scores, though 4th-grade reading and math reached 54.17% proficiency. Both schools serve a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students (around 67-70% free/reduced lunch) and maintain favorable student-teacher ratios (12:1 at the secondary level, 12.5:1 at the elementary level).
A key finding is that high per-student spending—$17,609 at Pettus Secondary and $12,903 at Pettus Elementary—does not guarantee high test scores, raising questions about resource allocation. A dramatic turnaround in 8th-grade math, jumping from 39.39% to 71.43% proficiency in one year, suggests targeted interventions can work. However, a stark contrast exists at the high school level between strong English and history scores versus weaker math and science (Algebra I at 46.15%, Biology at 53.85%), indicating a need for improved STEM instruction. Overall, families should expect a small-district environment with individualized attention but volatile academic performance that varies significantly by grade and subject.
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