Best Elementary Schools in Garland, TX

The city of Garland, Texas is home to 46 elementary schools that serve students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, spanning public, public charter, and public magnet institutions. The schools in this district demonstrate a wide range of academic performance, with several standout institutions leading the way and others struggling to meet state standards.

At the top of the pack are Kimberlin Academy For Excel and Watson Technology Center, two high-performing magnet schools that rank in the top 5% and 1% of Texas elementary schools respectively. These schools boast exceptional student outcomes, with over 80% of students proficient in reading and math. Other top-tier institutions include Beaver Technology Center and Hillside Academy For Excel, which rank in the top 10-15% of Texas elementary schools. In contrast, some traditional public schools in the Garland Independent School District (ISD) struggle to get even 20-30% of students meeting academic standards.

The performance gap between the highest and lowest-performing schools is substantial, and there is a strong correlation between school demographics and academic outcomes. The schools with the highest percentages of economically disadvantaged and minority students tend to have the lowest test scores. While the public charter and magnet schools in the district outperform the traditional public schools on average, spending per student does not necessarily translate to better outcomes. Overall, the data reveals a diverse set of elementary schools in Garland, with a wide range of academic achievement, highlighting the need for continued improvement and innovation to support the lower-performing institutions and address the achievement gaps across the district.