Foster Elementary

Summary:

Foster Elementary is a public elementary school in Houston, Texas, serving 380 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Houston Independent School District, which is ranked 572 out of 968 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating.

Foster Elementary has consistently struggled with academic performance, ranking in the bottom half of Texas elementary schools. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school ranked 4376 out of 4675 Texas elementary schools, with a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger. Only 17.31% of 3rd-grade students were proficient or better in STAAR Reading, compared to 44.66% for the district and 48.85% for the state. However, the school performs relatively well for certain student subgroups, such as African American and Hispanic students. The nearby schools, like Young Elementary and Lockhart Elementary, also struggle with academic performance, similar to Foster Elementary.

Foster Elementary has an extremely high percentage of students from low-income families, with 99.74% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. This high rate of poverty is a key factor contributing to the school's academic challenges. The school's student-teacher ratio is relatively low, with 15.5 students per teacher, which could be seen as a potential advantage. Additionally, there are several charter schools in the vicinity, such as Southside Elementary and The Lawson Academy, that serve predominantly low-income, minority student populations and have higher academic performance than the traditional public schools in the area.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 3919 Ward St
       Houston, TX  77021-4861


(713) 746-8260

District: Houston Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
4376th of 4,675 Texas Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,839 Help


Students who attend Foster Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Cullen Middle
High:    Yates High School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.5 Help
Number of students:  380

Racial breakdown:

African American:
88.9%
Hispanic:
9.7%
Two or more races:
0.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  99.7% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Foster Elementary ranks worse than 93.6% of elementary schools in Texas. It also ranks 158th among 170 ranked elementary schools in the Houston Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 13.11. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (88.9%), Hispanic (9.7%), two or more races (0.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 99.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Foster Elementary is 15.5, which is the 43rd best among 170 elementary schools in the Houston Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
Help
Compare Foster Elementary employs 24.4 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Foster Elementary is $11,839, which is the 25th highest among 170 elementary schools in the Houston Independent School District (Isd).
Schooldigger Rankings:

Foster Elementary was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Houston Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks Houston Independent School District (Isd) 572nd of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Foster Elementary.

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Rank History for Foster Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 33.57 2747th 3465 20.7%
2005 4.06 3451st 3475 0.7%
2006 21.76 3114th 3476 10.4%
2007 7.03 3653rd 3724 1.9%
2008 31.29 3066th 3768 18.6%
2009 24.73 3408th 3884 12.3%
2010 46.98 2483rd 3937 36.9%
2011 60.89 1768th 4095 56.8%
2012 2.08 4188th 4206 0.4%
2013 9.30 4100th 4221 2.9%
2014 4.12 4225th 4260 0.8%
2015 5.98 4223rd 4320 2.2%
2016 10.07 4086th 4286 4.7%
2017 59.97 1491st 4329 65.6%
2018 40.56 2512th 4359 42.4%
2019 56.52 1686th 4479 62.4%
2021 33.84 2904th 4578 36.6%
2022 64.13 1419th 4581 69.0%
2023 59.20 1643rd 4647 64.6%
2024 13.11 4376th 4675 6.4%
See the entire list of Texas Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 66.14 866th 3556 75.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.29 2495th 3558 29.9%
2019 27.85 2985th 3684 19.0%
2021 41.66 1916th 3799 49.6%
2022 44.01 1988th 3952 49.7%
2023 56.77 1254th 4086 69.3%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 54.47 1730th 4264 59.4%
2019 70.26 798th 4309 81.5%
2021 45.53 2340th 4451 47.4%
2022 77.81 535th 4477 88.1%
2023 74.14 700th 4521 84.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.87 1950th 4306 54.7%
2019 65.64 1211th 4348 72.1%
2021 38.01 2687th 4499 40.3%
2022 66.50 1249th 4561 72.6%
2023 63.91 1359th 4588 70.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for At Risk students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 51.35 1855th 4240 56.3%
2019 64.43 1070th 4295 75.1%
2021 20.86 3997th 4331 7.7%
2022 67.27 975th 4461 78.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for Male students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.34 3221st 4319 25.4%
2019 47.26 2172nd 4357 50.1%
2021 30.91 3117th 4498 30.7%
2022 60.38 1589th 4563 65.2%
2023 51.22 2081st 4585 54.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 58.83 810th 2483 67.4%
2019 74.75 379th 2515 84.9%
2021 46.77 1156th 2444 52.7%
2022 77.37 313th 2421 87.1%
2023 70.99 470th 2443 80.8%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Foster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 78.32 549th 4168 86.8%
2019 59.09 1438th 4188 65.7%
2022 93.32 128th 4376 97.1%
2023 84.94 377th 4401 91.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Data source: test scores: Texas Education Agency, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Foster Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
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District Scores:
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Data source: Texas Education Agency

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, August 1, 2011

Open Quote my daughter loves this school. her pre-k teacher ms green was the best. i am looking forward to next year Close Quote



Enrollment information for Foster Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 0 668 1 8 1 n/a n/a 0 678
1990 0 667 3 9 1 n/a n/a 0 680
1991 1 691 4 15 0 n/a n/a 0 711
1992 3 678 10 27 0 n/a n/a 0 718
1993 3 657 11 30 0 n/a n/a 0 701
1994 4 627 16 34 0 n/a n/a 0 681
1995 0 641 12 33 0 n/a n/a 0 686
1996 0 641 12 33 0 n/a n/a 0 686
1997 0 634 10 27 0 n/a n/a 0 671
1998 0 613 15 27 0 n/a n/a 0 655
1999 0 646 16 32 0 n/a n/a 0 694
2000 2 658 12 30 0 n/a n/a 0 702
2001 0 660 13 28 0 n/a n/a 0 701
2002 0 627 7 29 0 n/a n/a 0 663
2003 0 627 7 29 0 n/a n/a 0 663
2004 1 565 6 26 0 n/a n/a 0 598
2005 0 465 8 14 0 n/a n/a 0 487
2006 2 433 4 18 0 n/a n/a 0 457
2007 1 516 3 28 0 n/a n/a 0 548
2008 1 455 3 44 1 n/a n/a 0 504
2009 1 451 3 36 1 n/a n/a 0 492
2010 0 471 2 44 3 n/a n/a 0 520
2011 1 476 4 39 4 0 1 0 525
2012 1 419 1 33 1 0 0 0 455
2013 1 391 0 31 1 0 1 0 425
2014 3 403 0 29 1 0 2 0 438
2015 1 407 0 32 1 1 2 0 444
2016 0 395 0 36 1 1 2 0 435
2017 0 390 1 25 1 0 3 0 420
2018 0 386 3 33 2 0 1 0 425
2019 1 395 2 39 1 1 0 0 439
2020 2 399 1 50 0 1 5 0 458
2021 1 342 1 31 0 1 2 0 378
2022 3 343 0 43 1 0 3 0 393
2023 2 338 0 37 0 0 3 0 380

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Foster Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 678 n/a n/a n/a
1990 680 35.0 19.4 n/a
1991 711 35.0 20.3 n/a
1992 718 41.0 17.5 82
1993 701 40.0 17.5 85.3
1994 681 38.0 17.9 78.6
1995 686 40.9 16.8 86.9
1996 686 40.9 16.8 86.9
1997 671 34.0 19.7 87.5
1998 655 33.0 19.8 79.4
1999 694 34.0 20.4 91.5
2000 702 36.6 19.2 90.6
2001 701 35.0 20.0 90.7
2002 663 35.0 18.9 86.9
2003 663 35.0 18.9 86.9
2004 598 33.0 18.1 87.8
2005 487 29.0 16.8 87.9
2006 457 27.0 16.9 95.8
2007 548 30.0 18.3 49.5
2008 504 31.0 16.3 54
2009 492 31.0 15.9 52.8
2010 520 33.0 15.7 47.1
2011 525 32.5 16.1 38.7
2012 455 25.0 18.2 32.3
2013 425 24.0 17.7 98.4
2014 438 26.0 16.8 99.1
2015 444 26.0 17.0 95.5
2016 435 26.0 16.7 96.6
2017 420 26.0 16.1 91.2
2018 425 25.0 17.0 98.8
2019 439 24.8 17.6 99.1
2020 458 24.8 18.4 98.9
2021 378 26.0 14.5 99.7
2022 393 24.0 16.3 98.2
2023 380 24.4 15.5 99.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Foster Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 678 n/a n/a n/a
1990 680 35.0 19.4 n/a
1991 711 35.0 20.3 n/a
1992 718 41.0 17.5 82
1993 701 40.0 17.5 85.3
1994 681 38.0 17.9 78.6
1995 686 40.9 16.8 86.9
1996 686 40.9 16.8 86.9
1997 671 34.0 19.7 87.5
1998 655 33.0 19.8 79.4
1999 694 34.0 20.4 91.5
2000 702 36.6 19.2 90.6
2001 701 35.0 20.0 90.7
2002 663 35.0 18.9 86.9
2003 663 35.0 18.9 86.9
2004 598 33.0 18.1 87.8
2005 487 29.0 16.8 87.9
2006 457 27.0 16.9 95.8
2007 548 30.0 18.3 49.5
2008 504 31.0 16.3 54
2009 492 31.0 15.9 52.8
2010 520 33.0 15.7 47.1
2011 525 32.5 16.1 38.7
2012 455 25.0 18.2 32.3
2013 425 24.0 17.7 98.4
2014 438 26.0 16.8 99.1
2015 444 26.0 17.0 95.5
2016 435 26.0 16.7 96.6
2017 420 26.0 16.1 91.2
2018 425 25.0 17.0 98.8
2019 439 24.8 17.6 99.1
2020 458 24.8 18.4 98.9
2021 378 26.0 14.5 99.7
2022 393 24.0 16.3 98.2
2023 380 24.4 15.5 99.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Foster Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,484 (16.6%) $7,474 (83.4%) $8,958
2020 $1,941 (19.2%) $8,169 (80.8%) $10,110
2021 $1,233 (10.4%) $10,605 (89.6%) $11,839

Data source: Texas Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Foster Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1686th of 4479 Elementary schoolsRanks 1643rd of 4647 Elementary schools
 2.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Reading (Foster Elementary)6636
 30%
   3rd Grade Reading (Houston Independent School District (Isd))3946
 7%
   3rd Grade Reading (Texas)4450
 6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Foster Elementary)5357
 4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Houston Independent School District (Isd))4541
 4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Texas)4843
 5%
4th Grade Reading (Foster Elementary)5755
 2%
   4th Grade Reading (Houston Independent School District (Isd))3840
 2%
   4th Grade Reading (Texas)4347
 4%
4th Grade Mathematics (Foster Elementary)5143
 8%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Houston Independent School District (Isd))4443
 1%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Texas)4647
 1%
5th Grade Reading (Foster Elementary)5266
 14%
   5th Grade Reading (Houston Independent School District (Isd))4449
 5%
   5th Grade Reading (Texas)5156
 5%
5th Grade Mathematics (Foster Elementary)4158
 17%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Houston Independent School District (Isd))5344
 9%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Texas)5650
 6%
5th Grade Science (Foster Elementary)4032
 8%
   5th Grade Science (Houston Independent School District (Isd))4027
 13%
   5th Grade Science (Texas)4834
 14%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students439380
 13.4%
African American395338
 14.4%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian20
 100%
Hispanic3937
 5.1%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White12
 100%
Two or More Races03
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients99.1%99.7%
 0.6%


Schools Near Foster Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Elementary

In the 2022-23 school year, 380 students attended Foster Elementary.

Students at Foster Elementary are 89% African American, 10% Hispanic.

Foster Elementary ranks in the bottom 6.4% of Texas elementary schools.

Students who attend Foster Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Cullen Middle
High : Yates High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Texas Education Agency.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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