Best High Schools in Zip Code 78653

This analysis examines three high schools in zip code 78653 (Manor, TX), serving grades 9-12 with a combined enrollment of about 3,208 students, all part of the Manor Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the 6th percentile statewide and faces significant challenges with a majority of students economically disadvantaged.

Manor New Technology High is the standout school, achieving a near-perfect 99.3% graduation rate and an extremely low 0.2% dropout rate, far outperforming its peers. It also exceeds the state average in U.S. History proficiency (73.68% vs. 70.17%) and has strong Biology (45.57%) and English II Reading (41.18%) scores. In contrast, Manor High School, the largest school with 2,422 students, mirrors the district's low averages with an 86.3% graduation rate and 2.1% dropout rate. Manor Excel Academy, an alternative school, faces the most severe challenges, with a 77.1% graduation rate, a 10.6% dropout rate, and critically low test scores, including 0% proficiency in Algebra I.

A key finding is the "New Tech" paradox: despite high poverty (57.03% free/reduced lunch), Manor New Tech's project-based model yields exceptional outcomes, while Manor Excel spends nearly double per student ($19,259) but has the worst results, highlighting that higher spending doesn't guarantee success with the most disadvantaged populations (78.08% free/reduced lunch). A universal weakness across all schools is Algebra I proficiency, which is catastrophically low (Manor New Tech at 2.25%, Manor High at 10.33%, Manor Excel at 0%), pointing to a systemic math instruction breakdown. Overall, Manor New Tech provides a replicable success model within a struggling district, while Manor High remains stagnant and Manor Excel underscores the extreme challenges of alternative education.