Summary:
Zip code 78595 in Sullivan City, TX, is home to two elementary schools, Sam Fordyce Elementary and Rosendo Benavides Elementary, both part of the La Joya Independent School District (ISD) and serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. The community faces significant economic challenges, with over 95% of students at both schools eligible for free or reduced lunch. Despite these similar demographics, the two schools present a stark contrast in academic performance, making this a compelling area for parents to evaluate.
Sam Fordyce Elementary is the standout performer, consistently exceeding district averages and ranking in the top 30% of Texas elementary schools. Its math proficiency (54.8%) is more than double that of Rosendo Benavides Elementary (25.1%), and its reading proficiency (47.8%) also outpaces its local counterpart (35.4%). Notably, Sam Fordyce achieves these results despite having a slightly higher rate of economically disadvantaged students (98.6%) and lower per-student spending ($12,301) compared to Rosendo Benavides ($14,098). This suggests that effective teaching strategies and leadership, rather than just funding, are driving success at Sam Fordyce. In contrast, Rosendo Benavides Elementary consistently ranks in the bottom 20% of Texas schools, with a 1-star rating and scores below both district and state averages, particularly in math and science.
One interesting finding is the strength of the Spanish-language program at Sam Fordyce Elementary, where 3rd graders taking the Spanish Reading test achieved a remarkable 76.92% proficiency rate, far exceeding district and state averages. However, both schools struggle with science, with scores below the state average, indicating a systemic weakness in the area. While Sam Fordyce has seen a slight downward trend in its state ranking, Rosendo Benavides has been steadily declining, falling from the 20th percentile to the 11th percentile in recent years. For parents, this data highlights that Sam Fordyce Elementary is the stronger choice for academic achievement, while Rosendo Benavides Elementary may require additional support and attention.
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