Summary:
In zip code 78580 (Raymondville, TX), there are two elementary schools—Pittman Elementary and Smith Elementary—both part of the Raymondville Independent School District (Isd), serving grades PK-5 in a community where economic challenges are significant.
Pittman Elementary is the standout school in this area, ranking in the 92nd percentile statewide (5-star rating) and placing among the top 8% of Texas elementary schools. Its academic performance is exceptional, with average math proficiency of 79.71%—nearly 33 points above the state average—and reading proficiency of 69.95%, well above the state’s 54.20%. This success is particularly notable given that 75.22% of its students qualify for free or reduced lunch. In contrast, Smith Elementary ranks in the 73rd percentile (4-star rating) and has seen its ranking decline from the 80th percentile over the past two years. While Smith’s overall scores are lower, it outperforms Pittman in 5th Grade Science, with 55% proficiency compared to Pittman’s 43.06%—nearly double the state average of 29.57%.
Both schools have similar per-student spending (around $11,500) and student-teacher ratios (14.8:1 at Pittman, 15.9:1 at Smith), yet their academic outcomes differ sharply. Pittman’s math program is a clear strength, with every grade level scoring above 77% proficiency, while Smith’s science program stands out as an anomaly worth investigating. For parents, Pittman Elementary offers a proven track record of high achievement and upward momentum, while Smith Elementary provides a solid education with a unique strength in science, despite serving a higher-poverty population (98.84% free/reduced lunch).
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