Best High Schools in Zip Code 79403

In zip code 79403 of Lubbock, Texas, three high schools serve 1,569 students across two districts, offering a dramatic range of academic environments from a top-5% state performer to a school in the bottom 13%.

The standout school in this area is Talkington School For Young Women Leaders, a magnet school in the Lubbock Independent School District (Isd) that ranks in the 96th percentile statewide. Its proficiency rates are exceptional—96% in English I and Biology—far exceeding the other two schools. In stark contrast, Estacado High School, also in Lubbock ISD, ranks in the bottom 13% and serves a large population with nearly 90% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Estacado has the lowest graduation rate (84.3%) and highest dropout rate (3.4%) in the zip code. Roosevelt High School, part of the Roosevelt Independent School District (Isd), presents a paradox: it boasts a 98.6% graduation rate and a low 8.9 student-to-teacher ratio, yet its test scores are below state averages, with only 40% proficient in Algebra I.

Key takeaways for parents include that spending per student does not predict success—Talkington spends the least ($9,590 per student) but achieves the best results, while Roosevelt spends the most ($13,808) with middling scores. The socioeconomic achievement gap is pronounced, with schools serving higher poverty rates showing lower test scores. Roosevelt’s high graduation rate despite low test scores suggests it effectively keeps students on track for a diploma but may struggle to boost academic proficiency. Overall, this zip code offers a choice between a highly selective, elite magnet school and two traditional high schools facing significant challenges, making school selection critical for families.