Best Public Schools in Zip Code 78557

The seven public schools in zip code 78557 (Hidalgo, TX) serve approximately 4,445 students across two districts, Valley View Independent School District (Isd) and Hidalgo Independent School District (Isd), with all schools facing high levels of economic disadvantage.

The elementary schools in this area are a clear strength, with all four earning 4-star ratings and ranking in the 70th to 89th percentile statewide. Valley View Elementary is the top performer, ranking in the 84th percentile with test scores well above state averages in Reading and Math. Hidalgo Elementary stands out for exceptional math and science results, including 90.32% proficiency in 5th Grade Math and 80% in 5th Grade Science. However, performance drops significantly at the secondary level. Valley View High School boasts a 98% graduation rate and a 0.1% dropout rate, though its test scores hover near state averages. Hidalgo Early College High School lags further behind in all core subjects. A notable exception is Diaz J H, where 8th graders taking the Algebra I exam achieved a remarkable 96.49% proficiency rate, nearly double the state average.

Overall, Valley View ISD outperforms Hidalgo ISD at every level, despite Hidalgo ISD spending more per student. The strong elementary foundation is not fully sustained into middle and high school, creating a performance gap. Bilingual programs appear effective, with Spanish-language test scores often exceeding state averages. The data suggests that while secondary schools may struggle with standardized test proficiency, they are highly effective at keeping students on track to graduate, as seen at Valley View High School.