Summary:
This analysis examines four middle schools (Grades 6-8) located in zip code 78641 (Leander, TX), all part of the Leander Independent School District (Isd), revealing a striking performance gap between a nationally elite school and others that struggle to meet state averages.
Florence W Stiles Middle is the clear standout, ranking in the top 1% of Texas middle schools (99th percentile) with exceptional test scores—often 30-40 points above state averages—and an extremely low free/reduced lunch rate of 3.95%. In contrast, Stacy Kaye Danielson Middle and Leander Middle rank in the 52nd and 59th percentiles respectively, with math proficiency rates significantly below state averages. Knox Wiley Middle is a strong performer at the 87th percentile, showing rapid improvement from the 68th percentile in just two years. A key finding is the inverse correlation between spending and performance: the highest-performing school (Stiles) has the lowest spending per student ($8,078) and highest student-to-teacher ratio (16.8), while the lowest-performing school (Leander Middle) has the highest spending ($10,324) and lowest ratio (11.5). This suggests socioeconomic factors, not funding, drive outcomes. Additionally, all four schools show inflated Algebra I proficiency rates (83-100%), indicating only top students take this advanced course.
For parents, the 78641 zip code offers a wide range of options. Florence W Stiles Middle is an elite choice with outstanding academics, while Knox Wiley Middle is a rapidly improving, solid option. Stacy Kaye Danielson Middle and Leander Middle require closer scrutiny, particularly in math, where proficiency lags behind state averages. The data underscores that school performance is closely tied to student demographics, not resource allocation.
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