Summary:
This analysis examines the two high schools located in San Antonio’s 78204 zip code, Burbank High School and KIPP University Prep High School, which serve grades 9-12 in a high-poverty urban area.
KIPP University Prep High School stands out as the higher-performing school overall, despite serving a student population with a higher poverty rate (94.44% free/reduced lunch) and spending $902 less per student ($11,357 vs. $12,259). It ranks significantly higher than Burbank High School—in the 40th percentile statewide compared to Burbank’s 14th percentile—and shows a strong upward trend, improving from the 22nd percentile the previous year. KIPP University Prep also achieves higher proficiency rates in Biology (68.9% vs. 45.26%), English I Reading (42.25% vs. 24.51%), English II Reading (51.33% vs. 32.03%), and U.S. History (65.49% vs. 49.03%), along with a higher graduation rate (94.2% vs. 92.9%). However, Burbank High School dramatically outperforms in Algebra I proficiency (38.46% vs. 2.44%) and has a much lower dropout rate (0.5% vs. 3.2%).
Both schools are part of distinct districts: San Antonio Independent School District (Isd) for Burbank and KIPP Texas Public Schools for KIPP University Prep. The data reveals a clear trade-off: KIPP University Prep excels in most academic areas and is improving rapidly, but struggles with math fundamentals and has a higher dropout rate. Burbank, while lower-ranked overall, shows a notable strength in Algebra I and keeps nearly all its students enrolled through graduation. Parents should weigh these differences carefully, considering whether a school’s overall academic trajectory or its specific subject strengths and student retention matter more for their child.
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