Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools in the 78232 zip code of San Antonio, Texas, which serve grades PK-5 (with one specialized school serving PK-1), and are primarily part of the North East Independent School District (Isd).
Hidden Forest Elementary is the clear academic leader, consistently ranking in the top 15-20% of Texas elementary schools and earning a 5-star rating. Its test scores significantly exceed district and state averages, and it has the lowest percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch (18.53%). In contrast, Coker Elementary is arguably the most impressive school in the area, achieving a consistent 4-star rating despite having the highest poverty rate (59.23%). Coker outperforms district and state averages in Reading, demonstrating effective teaching that overcomes socioeconomic challenges. Thousand Oaks Elementary has a 2-star rating and lower test scores, with a 54.35% free/reduced lunch rate. The Foundation School Of Autism - San Antonio, part of the Premier High Schools district, is a specialized charter with only 38 students, the highest per-student spending ($35,998), and a very low student-teacher ratio (6.3:1), making it a unique resource for families with children on the autism spectrum.
A key takeaway is the strong performance gap between schools with different socioeconomic profiles, even within the same district and with similar per-student spending (~$9,000-$10,000). For example, Hidden Forest's 5th-grade Math proficiency was 71%, while Thousand Oaks' was 45%. Coker Elementary stands out for "beating the odds" with high performance despite higher poverty. Note that reported 100% proficiency in 6th-grade Math for Coker and Thousand Oaks is likely a data error, as these are elementary schools. Overall, families in 78232 have diverse options, from the top-tier Hidden Forest to the specialized Foundation School of Autism, with Coker offering a strong, consistent choice for those seeking a well-rounded school.
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