Summary:
There are three middle schools serving grades 6-8 (with KIPP Austin Academy of Arts & Letters also including 5th grade) in the 78724 zip code of Austin, Texas, an area where schools predominantly serve students from low-income households and generally perform below state averages.
Garcia Ymla, part of Austin Independent School District (Isd), stands out as the highest-performing school in the area despite having the highest poverty rate (95.69% free/reduced lunch). It boasts a 0.0% dropout rate, the lowest student-teacher ratio (9.6:1), and the highest per-student spending ($16,781). Its state ranking has improved from the 5th to the 14th percentile, and it achieved an exceptional 81.82% proficiency rate in Algebra I, far exceeding the state average. In contrast, Decker Middle (Manor Independent School District (Isd)) is the largest school (606 students) but struggles the most, with the lowest state ranking (5th percentile), a 2.4% dropout rate, and the lowest test scores in reading and math. However, Decker shows a bright spot in advanced coursework, with 8th graders scoring 63.49% proficient in Biology, exceeding the state average.
KIPP Austin Academy of Arts & Letters (KIPP Texas Public Schools) is the most consistent performer, ranking between the 11th and 22nd percentile over three years, with the lowest poverty rate (54.38%) and a 1.2% dropout rate. Its 8th-grade reading scores are a notable strength, nearly matching the state average at 53.85% proficient in 2024-2025. Overall, Garcia Ymla demonstrates that targeted investment in high-need students can yield strong results, while Decker Middle faces significant challenges despite pockets of excellence in advanced subjects.
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