Summary:
This analysis examines three middle schools in zip code 78634 (Hutto, TX), serving grades 6 through 8 as part of the Hutto Independent School District (Isd), which holds a 2-star rating and ranks in the 44th percentile statewide.
Among the three schools, Gus Almquist Middle stands out for its balanced performance, ranking in the 53rd percentile—the highest in the zip code—and is the only school to meet or exceed state averages in 6th-grade Math and 7th-grade Reading. Farley Middle follows closely with a 45th percentile ranking, showing relative strength in 8th-grade Reading (54.13% proficient) but struggling in 7th-grade Math (21.6%). Hutto Middle presents a puzzling profile: it leads in advanced academics with 94.74% Algebra I proficiency, yet its overall ranking dropped sharply from the 67th to the 39th percentile, and it posted an alarming 4.39% proficiency rate in 7th-grade Math—far below the state average of 29.41%. This suggests a "two-tiered" system where a small group of advanced students excels while the general student body struggles.
A key takeaway is the universal weakness in 7th-grade Math across all schools, with proficiency rates ranging from 4.39% to 21.6%, indicating a critical need for district-wide intervention. Reading performance is closer to state averages but not a dominant strength. Socioeconomic factors are consistent across the schools (40-42% free/reduced lunch), so they do not explain the performance gaps. For parents, Gus Almquist offers the most consistent overall education, while Hutto Middle is ideal for advanced math students but raises concerns about core subject support.
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