Summary:
This analysis examines five elementary schools in San Antonio's 78210 zip code, all part of the San Antonio Independent School District (Isd), serving grades PK-5 (with one exception) in a high-needs area where an average of 85.8% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
The standout school in this area is Young Women's Leadership Academy Pri, which consistently earns 3 or 4-star ratings and ranks in the 65th percentile statewide—far ahead of its peers. Its test scores often approach or exceed state averages, and it has a notably lower free/reduced lunch rate (51.21%) compared to the area average. In contrast, Herff Elementary is the most challenged school, ranking in the 1st percentile for three consecutive years with critically low test scores (e.g., only 4% proficiency in 3rd Grade Math) and the highest poverty rate at 98.05%. Green Elementary At Riverside Park shows the most dramatic improvement, rebounding from the 29th to the 52nd percentile in one year, making it a school to watch. Democracy Prep At Stewart Academy, the only PK-8 school, has a unique strength in Algebra I, where 47.27% of 8th graders scored proficient—close to the state average—despite low overall rankings. Eloise Japhet Elementary spends the least per student ($10,580) but outperforms higher-spending schools like Democracy Prep and Herff.
A key finding is that students taking STAAR tests in Spanish often outperform those taking them in English, as seen at Eloise Japhet, Green, and Democracy Prep, suggesting that native-language testing unlocks potential for English Language Learners. Additionally, spending does not guarantee success: Green spends the most ($17,134) but is outperformed by Young Women's Leadership Academy Pri, which spends $16,463. This points to school culture and leadership as critical factors. Overall, families in 78210 have a wide range of options, from the high-performing Young Women's Leadership Academy Pri to the struggling Herff Elementary, with Green Elementary showing promising improvement.
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