Summary:
This analysis examines nine elementary schools in the 78582 zip code (Rio Grande City, TX), serving predominantly high-poverty communities with free/reduced lunch rates averaging 95%.
The standout school is Delia Gonzalez Garcia Elementary (Roma ISD), ranked in the 97th percentile statewide with over 80% proficiency in every subject—including an 88.41% 5th-grade Science score, nearly triple the state average. In contrast, Roque Guerra Junior Elementary (Rio Grande City Grulla ISD) struggles at the 41st percentile, with a critically low 9.89% Science proficiency. General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary (Rio Grande City Grulla ISD) is a consistent high achiever, never dropping below the 79th percentile over three years. Alberto & Celia Barrera Elementary (Rio Grande City Grulla ISD) shows dramatic improvement, jumping from the 19th to 86th percentile in one year. The Idea Rio Grande City Academy (Idea Public Schools) is an average performer at the 55th percentile, despite having the highest enrollment (717) and student-teacher ratio (21.1:1).
Key metrics show wide variance: per-student spending ranges from $8,508 at Idea Rio Grande City Academy to $15,382 at Dr. Mario E. Ramirez Elementary (Rio Grande City Grulla ISD), yet spending does not correlate with success—the top-ranked school spends a moderate $11,355. Science is a universal weakness across the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, with scores as low as 5.8%, while Delia Gonzalez Garcia excels. The district also shows significant year-over-year ranking volatility, making single-year data unreliable for assessing school quality. High poverty does not preclude high performance, as Delia Gonzalez Garcia proves with its 92.2% free/reduced lunch rate and exceptional outcomes.
Thank you for your feedback!