La Joya Independent School District (Isd)

The La Joya Independent School District (ISD) in Texas operates 37 schools, including 23 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 6 high schools, serving a predominantly Hispanic student population. While the district as a whole is ranked 451 out of 968 districts in Texas and rated 3 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger, a few standout schools shine within the district.

The top-performing schools in the district are Thelma Rosa Salinas STEM Early College High School and Jimmy Carter Early College High School, both of which are ranked among the top 111 and 96 high schools in Texas, respectively. These early college high schools boast impressive 100% four-year graduation rates and 0% dropout rates, along with significantly higher proficiency rates on STAAR EOC exams compared to the district and state averages. In contrast, many of the district's elementary and middle schools struggle to meet proficiency standards, highlighting the stark disparities in academic performance across the La Joya ISD.

One bright spot in the middle school ranks is Ann Richards Middle School, which is ranked 915 out of 2,361 middle schools in Texas and has particularly high proficiency rates in 8th grade math and Algebra I. However, the district as a whole faces significant challenges, with the majority of schools serving high-poverty student populations, where over 90% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Addressing these disparities and supporting student success will require a targeted, data-driven approach tailored to the unique needs of this high-need district.