Summary:
The three public schools serving zip code 78593 in Santa Rosa, Texas—Elma E Barrera Elementary (PK-5), Jo Nelson Middle (6-8), and Santa Rosa High School (9-12)—are part of the Santa Rosa Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the 40th percentile statewide. With a total enrollment of 874 students and an average free/reduced lunch rate of 88.8%, these schools serve a predominantly low-income community. The district maintains small class sizes, with an average student-teacher ratio of 10.6:1, and per-student spending increases significantly from elementary ($10,644) to high school ($16,057).
Jo Nelson Middle stands out for its exceptional Algebra I program, where 100% of 8th graders scored proficient on the End-of-Course exam in 2025-2026, far exceeding the state average of 54.03%. However, this success creates a "two-tiered" math system, as general 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade math scores consistently lag behind state averages. The school also shows the strongest improvement trend in the district, rising from the 31st to the 44th percentile over three years. Elma E Barrera Elementary has the lowest state ranking (47th percentile) but shows promise with dramatic year-over-year gains, particularly in 5th grade math, where proficiency jumped from 54% to 73.47%—a 26-point lead over the state average.
Santa Rosa High School presents an inconsistent academic profile, excelling in U.S. History (71.05% proficient, beating the state average) but struggling significantly in Algebra I (31.37% vs. 54.03% state) and English I Reading (38.96% vs. 55.43% state). The school maintains a solid 92.9% graduation rate, though its dropout rate of 1.6% is slightly above the district average. Overall, the data suggests that while students often enter high school with gaps in foundational math and reading skills, targeted programs like the middle school's advanced math track demonstrate that exceptional results are achievable even in high-poverty districts.
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