Best Public Schools in Zip Code 78586

The 78586 zip code area in Texas is home to 32 schools, including 16 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 7 high schools, and 4 alternative schools, operated by three different school districts: San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District, and Idea Public Schools.

Within this diverse set of schools, a few standouts emerge. Idea College Preparatory San Benito, a public charter high school, consistently ranks among the top 539 high schools in Texas and boasts an impressive 98.7% four-year graduation rate and a low 0.2% dropout rate. South Texas Independent School District (ISD) Rising Scholars Academy, a public middle school, is ranked among the top 75 middle schools in Texas and has earned a perfect 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Additionally, Laureles Elementary and Palmer-Laakso Elementary, both part of the Los Fresnos CISD, stand out as top-performing elementary schools in the region.

However, the data also reveals stark contrasts in academic performance and outcomes among the schools in the 78586 zip code. While some schools excel, others struggle to meet basic proficiency levels, with a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and academic achievement. The alternative and specialized schools, such as the various JJAEP (Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program) campuses, face unique challenges, with lower test scores, higher dropout rates, and significantly higher per-student spending compared to the traditional public schools. Addressing these disparities will likely require a multifaceted approach, including targeted interventions, increased funding and resources, and strengthened district-level leadership and support.