Best Public Schools in Amarillo, TX

The city of Amarillo, Texas, is home to a diverse array of 80 schools, including 48 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 12 high schools, and 1 alternative school, serving students across various Amarillo Independent School District, Canyon Independent School District, and other local districts. The data reveals a mix of high-performing and struggling schools, with standout institutions like Woodlands Elementary and Amarillo High School leading the way, while some schools, such as Richard Milburn Academy Amarillo, face significant challenges.

The data highlights the wide range of academic performance across Amarillo's schools, with graduation rates varying from a low of 35.7% at Richard Milburn Academy Amarillo to a high of 100% at Highland Park High School. Similarly, proficiency rates on end-of-course exams and state assessments (STAAR) range from as low as 7.41% in Algebra I at Richard Milburn Academy Amarillo to as high as 96.08% at Crockett Middle. The data also reveals a correlation between higher rates of free/reduced-price lunch and lower academic performance, though there are exceptions, such as the high-poverty Sleepy Hollow Elementary, which demonstrates strong academic achievement.

The analysis suggests that factors beyond just district-level policies and resources, such as school-level leadership, teacher quality, and school culture, play a significant role in driving student outcomes. This is evident in the performance of schools like Woodlands Elementary and Amarillo High School, which outperform their district averages. Additionally, the data highlights the unique challenges faced by alternative and specialized schools, such as North Heights Alter and Youth Center Of High Plains, which struggle with lower academic performance, higher dropout rates, and lower graduation rates.