Summary:
The 78586 zip code in San Benito, Texas, is home to San Benito High School, Idea College Preparatory San Benito, Triumph Public High Schools-San Benito, Rgv Youth Recovery Home, and three campuses of Cameron County J J A E P (affiliated with Brownsville Independent School District (Isd) and Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District), serving roughly 2,980 students across a mix of traditional, charter, and alternative campuses.
The standout performer is Idea College Preparatory San Benito, which earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 78th percentile statewide. It exceeds state averages in all core subjects, including U.S. History (80.85% proficient vs. 70.17% statewide), and boasts a 98.8% graduation rate with a 0.1% dropout rate—all while serving a student body where 82.44% are economically disadvantaged. In contrast, San Benito High School, the largest school with 2,057 students, holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the 18th percentile, with Algebra I proficiency at 32.84% (well below the state’s 54.03%) and a 90.6% graduation rate. Triumph Public High Schools-San Benito struggles with a 56.8% graduation rate, while the three Cameron County J J A E P campuses, despite ranking in the bottom 5% academically, report a 0.0% dropout rate, indicating they successfully retain at-risk students.
Key takeaways include that spending does not predict success: San Benito High School spends the most per student ($12,509) but performs worst among major schools, while Idea College Preparatory San Benito spends less ($11,307) and excels. The area’s educational ecosystem is highly segmented, offering a large traditional high school, a high-performing charter, a struggling alternative charter, and specialized JJAEPs, creating wide disparities in outcomes within the same small geographic area.
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