Macdonell Elementary

Summary:

Macdonell Elementary is a public elementary school in Laredo, Texas, serving 470 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Laredo Independent School District, which is ranked 390 out of 968 districts in Texas and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Macdonell Elementary has an overwhelmingly Hispanic student population, with over 99% of students identifying as Hispanic. The school has shown mixed academic performance, outperforming the district and state in some STAAR assessments but underperforming in others. Notably, the school ranks particularly low for English Language Learners, Special Education students, and Gifted and Talented students compared to other Texas elementary schools. Additionally, Macdonell Elementary has an extremely high rate of free and reduced lunch recipients, with over 98% of students qualifying, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.

When compared to other nearby elementary schools in the Laredo ISD, such as Farias Elementary and J.C. Martin Junior Elementary, Macdonell Elementary generally performs below average. The school's dramatic fluctuations in statewide ranking over the past decade, ranging from a high of 1,666 out of 4,479 Texas elementary schools to a low of 4,090 out of 4,581, suggest significant variability in its academic performance and effectiveness. These challenges, coupled with the school's high-poverty, predominantly Hispanic student population, indicate that Macdonell Elementary may need to focus on improving targeted interventions and support for its most vulnerable student subgroups.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 1606 Benavides
       Laredo, TX  78040-3790


(956) 273-4000

District: Laredo Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
438th of 4,675 Texas Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,480 Help


Students who attend Macdonell Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Christen Middle
High:    Martin High School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.1 Help
Number of students:  491

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
99.6%
White:
0.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  99% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Macdonell Elementary ranks better than 90.6% of elementary schools in Texas. It also ranks 5th among 20 ranked elementary schools in the Laredo Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 88.31. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (99.6%), White (0.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 99% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Macdonell Elementary is 15.1, which is the 8th best among 20 elementary schools in the Laredo Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
Help
Compare Macdonell Elementary employs 32.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Macdonell Elementary is $11,480, which is the 7th highest among 20 elementary schools in the Laredo Independent School District (Isd).
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Macdonell Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Macdonell Elementary 438th of 4675 Texas public elementary schools. (See Macdonell Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Hispanic students:


Laredo Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks Laredo Independent School District (Isd) 390th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Macdonell Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 37.71 2574th 3465 25.7%
2005 23.50 3067th 3475 11.7%
2006 43.89 2339th 3476 32.7%
2007 58.08 1790th 3724 51.9%
2008 29.62 3137th 3768 16.7%
2009 48.70 2312th 3884 40.5%
2010 69.75 1128th 3937 71.3%
2011 73.39 945th 4095 76.9%
2012 40.67 2855th 4206 32.1%
2013 15.85 3947th 4221 6.5%
2014 18.73 3863rd 4260 9.3%
2015 25.80 3536th 4320 18.1%
2016 31.25 3227th 4286 24.7%
2017 22.15 3655th 4329 15.6%
2018 39.18 2603rd 4359 40.3%
2019 56.99 1666th 4479 62.8%
2021 28.22 3293rd 4578 28.1%
2022 17.25 4090th 4581 10.7%
2023 26.75 3582nd 4647 22.9%
2024 88.31 438th 4675 90.6%
See the entire list of Texas Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.79 2042nd 3226 36.7%
2019 55.20 1305th 3333 60.8%
2021 23.89 3011th 3446 12.6%
2022 17.54 3278th 3487 6.0%
2023 31.77 2689th 3556 24.4%
2024 90.64 201st 3638 94.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 45.52 1665th 3558 53.2%
2019 83.18 230th 3684 93.8%
2021 30.69 2752nd 3799 27.6%
2022 20.85 3638th 3952 7.9%
2023 25.87 3422nd 4086 16.3%
2024 84.79 309th 4261 92.7%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.59 1863rd 4264 56.3%
2019 68.02 909th 4309 78.9%
2021 37.14 2918th 4451 34.4%
2022 25.25 3779th 4477 15.6%
2023 37.95 3027th 4521 33.0%
2024 96.07 51st 4560 98.9%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 32.13 3119th 4306 27.6%
2019 51.25 1977th 4348 54.5%
2021 26.37 3422nd 4499 23.9%
2022 14.78 4248th 4561 6.9%
2023 23.50 3842nd 4588 16.3%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.93 2033rd 3106 34.5%
2019 58.15 1613th 3184 49.3%
2021 25.20 2469th 3006 17.9%
2022 23.24 2641st 2958 10.7%
2023 15.73 2800th 2980 6.0%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for At Risk students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.98 1869th 4240 55.9%
2019 66.95 946th 4295 78.0%
2021 38.41 2690th 4331 37.9%
2022 38.21 2931st 4461 34.3%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for Male students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 46.89 2157th 4319 50.1%
2019 63.88 1286th 4357 70.5%
2021 32.20 3024th 4498 32.8%
2022 22.31 3849th 4563 15.6%
2023 31.18 3319th 4585 27.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Macdonell Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 44.60 2299th 4168 44.8%
2019 60.61 1343rd 4188 67.9%
2021 34.49 2951st 4329 31.8%
2022 21.31 3893rd 4376 11.0%
2023 32.37 3244th 4401 26.3%
2024 92.35 147th 4431 96.7%
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.

Macdonell Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Texas Education Agency

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Enrollment information for Macdonell Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 10 0 0 341 0 n/a n/a 0 351
1990 9 0 0 335 0 n/a n/a 0 344
1991 11 0 0 316 0 n/a n/a 0 327
1992 8 0 1 329 0 n/a n/a 0 338
1993 5 0 1 313 0 n/a n/a 0 319
1994 6 0 2 324 0 n/a n/a 0 332
1995 8 0 3 338 0 n/a n/a 0 349
1996 8 0 3 338 0 n/a n/a 0 349
1997 5 0 3 337 0 n/a n/a 0 345
1998 2 1 1 309 0 n/a n/a 0 313
1999 1 0 0 286 0 n/a n/a 0 287
2000 4 0 0 301 0 n/a n/a 0 305
2001 3 0 0 381 0 n/a n/a 0 384
2002 1 0 0 535 0 n/a n/a 0 536
2003 1 0 0 535 0 n/a n/a 0 536
2004 1 0 0 638 0 n/a n/a 0 639
2005 1 0 0 626 0 n/a n/a 0 627
2006 0 1 0 657 0 n/a n/a 0 658
2007 1 0 0 679 0 n/a n/a 0 680
2008 1 0 0 679 0 n/a n/a 0 680
2009 1 0 0 648 0 n/a n/a 0 649
2010 3 0 0 650 0 n/a n/a 0 653
2011 3 0 0 671 0 0 0 0 674
2012 4 0 0 732 0 0 0 0 736
2013 2 0 0 755 0 0 0 0 757
2014 7 0 0 755 0 0 0 0 762
2015 4 0 0 760 0 0 0 0 764
2016 2 0 0 616 2 0 0 0 620
2017 3 0 0 607 2 1 0 0 613
2018 5 1 0 533 0 0 0 0 539
2019 3 1 0 510 0 0 0 0 514
2020 1 0 0 535 0 0 0 0 536
2021 0 0 0 466 0 0 0 0 466
2022 3 0 0 425 0 0 0 0 428
2023 1 0 0 469 0 0 0 0 470
2024 2 0 0 489 0 0 0 0 491

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 Macdonell Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 351 n/a n/a n/a
1990 344 24.0 14.3 n/a
1991 327 24.0 13.6 n/a
1992 338 23.7 14.2 71.9
1993 319 25.0 12.8 94.4
1994 332 24.4 13.6 91.9
1995 349 21.5 16.2 93.7
1996 349 21.5 16.2 93.7
1997 345 19.0 18.2 92.5
1998 313 19.0 16.5 92
1999 287 17.0 16.9 91.3
2000 305 19.0 16.1 89.2
2001 384 19.8 19.4 60.7
2002 536 32.3 16.6 30.2
2003 536 32.3 16.6 30.2
2004 639 34.9 18.3 19.6
2005 627 39.0 16.1 12
2006 658 41.0 16.0 0.2
2007 680 39.0 17.4 n/a
2008 680 37.0 18.4 0
2009 649 37.1 17.5 0
2010 653 37.4 17.4 0
2011 674 39.3 17.1 0
2012 736 38.0 19.3 0
2013 757 38.6 19.5 98.7
2014 762 43.8 17.3 98.8
2015 764 42.0 18.1 95.8
2016 620 40.0 15.5 98.4
2017 613 37.5 16.3 98.9
2018 539 37.0 14.5 99.4
2019 514 33.3 15.3 99.2
2020 536 33.1 16.1 99.3
2021 466 33.2 14.0 98.3
2022 428 31.7 13.4 98.8
2023 470 30.0 15.6 98.3
2024 491 32.3 15.1 99

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 Macdonell Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 351 n/a n/a n/a
1990 344 24.0 14.3 n/a
1991 327 24.0 13.6 n/a
1992 338 23.7 14.2 71.9
1993 319 25.0 12.8 94.4
1994 332 24.4 13.6 91.9
1995 349 21.5 16.2 93.7
1996 349 21.5 16.2 93.7
1997 345 19.0 18.2 92.5
1998 313 19.0 16.5 92
1999 287 17.0 16.9 91.3
2000 305 19.0 16.1 89.2
2001 384 19.8 19.4 60.7
2002 536 32.3 16.6 30.2
2003 536 32.3 16.6 30.2
2004 639 34.9 18.3 19.6
2005 627 39.0 16.1 12
2006 658 41.0 16.0 0.2
2007 680 39.0 17.4 n/a
2008 680 37.0 18.4 0
2009 649 37.1 17.5 0
2010 653 37.4 17.4 0
2011 674 39.3 17.1 0
2012 736 38.0 19.3 0
2013 757 38.6 19.5 98.7
2014 762 43.8 17.3 98.8
2015 764 42.0 18.1 95.8
2016 620 40.0 15.5 98.4
2017 613 37.5 16.3 98.9
2018 539 37.0 14.5 99.4
2019 514 33.3 15.3 99.2
2020 536 33.1 16.1 99.3
2021 466 33.2 14.0 98.3
2022 428 31.7 13.4 98.8
2023 470 30.0 15.6 98.3
2024 491 32.3 15.1 99

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 Macdonell Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,268 (11.6%) $9,624 (88.4%) $10,892
2020 $1,587 (15.4%) $8,749 (84.6%) $10,336
2021 $2,028 (17.7%) $9,452 (82.3%) $11,480

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Macdonell 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 1666th of 4479 Elementary schoolsRanks 3582nd of 4647 Elementary schools
 39.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Reading (Macdonell Elementary)6337
 26%
   3rd Grade Reading (Laredo Independent School District (Isd))4847
 1%
   3rd Grade Reading (Texas)4450
 6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Macdonell Elementary)7637
 39%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Laredo Independent School District (Isd))5739
 18%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Texas)4843
 5%
4th Grade Reading (Macdonell Elementary)3228
 4%
   4th Grade Reading (Laredo Independent School District (Isd))5147
 4%
   4th Grade Reading (Texas)4347
 4%
4th Grade Mathematics (Macdonell Elementary)3840
 2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Laredo Independent School District (Isd))5855
 3%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Texas)4647
 1%
5th Grade Reading (Macdonell Elementary)4827
 21%
   5th Grade Reading (Laredo Independent School District (Isd))5458
 4%
   5th Grade Reading (Texas)5156
 5%
5th Grade Mathematics (Macdonell Elementary)5918
 41%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Laredo Independent School District (Isd))6453
 11%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Texas)5650
 6%
5th Grade Science (Macdonell Elementary)7630
 46%
   5th Grade Science (Laredo Independent School District (Isd))6244
 18%
   5th Grade Science (Texas)4834
 14%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students514470
 8.6%
African American10
 100%
American Indian00
Asian00
Hispanic510469
 8%
Pacific Islander00
White31
 66.7%
Two or More Races00
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients99.2%98.3%
 0.9%


Schools Near Macdonell Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Macdonell Elementary

In the 2023-24 school year, 491 students attended Macdonell Elementary.

Students who attend Macdonell Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Christen Middle
High : Martin High School

Yes. Macdonell Elementary ranks in the top 9.4% of Texas elementary schools.

Students at Macdonell Elementary are 100% Hispanic.


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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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