South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Summary:

South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy is a high-performing public magnet school serving grades 9-12 in Mercedes, Texas, with an enrollment of 795 students and a diverse student population.

This school consistently outperforms the state and its own district on academic measures, with significantly higher proficiency rates on STAAR End-of-Course exams compared to the state average. The school maintains a 100% four-year graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate, far exceeding state averages. While the school's performance for Gifted and Talented students is relatively lower, it ranks among the top Texas high schools for several student subgroups, including Asian, African American, Hispanic, and White students, as well as English Language Learners and Special Education students. Interestingly, the nearby schools in the South Texas Independent School District (Isd) and other districts generally have lower academic performance, graduation rates, and student subgroup rankings.

With a spending of approximately $12,985 per student, South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy is a standout institution in the region. However, the school's relatively lower performance for Gifted and Talented students and the persistent socioeconomic disparities in the surrounding area, with 43.52% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, suggest areas for potential improvement and further investigation.


Detail:

Public, Magnet 9-12

 900 Med High Dr
       Mercedes, TX  78570-9702


(956) 565-4620

District: South Texas Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
42nd of 1,987 Texas High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,985 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  13.4 Help
Number of students:  795

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
79.9%
Asian:
9.4%
White:
7.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  43.5% Help


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 Compare South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy ranks better than 97.9% of high schools in Texas. It also ranks first among 4 ranked high schools in the South Texas Independent School District (Isd)! (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 91.24. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (79.9%), Asian (9.4%), White (7.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 43.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the South Texas Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy is 13.4, which is the 2nd best among 4 high schools in the South Texas Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
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Compare South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy employs 59.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy is $12,985, which is the lowest among 4 high schools in the South Texas Independent School District (Isd)!
Schooldigger Rankings:

South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy 42nd of 1987 Texas public high schools. (See South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy in the ranking list.)

South Texas Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks South Texas Independent School District (Isd) 18th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy?

Rank History for South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

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Rank History for all students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 88.08 10th 1427 99.3%
2005 89.60 11th 1429 99.2%
2006 88.89 11th 1430 99.2%
2007 88.22 17th 1497 98.9%
2008 86.77 34th 1510 97.7%
2009 85.68 24th 1539 98.4%
2010 82.10 40th 1568 97.4%
2011 80.29 84th 1672 95.0%
2012 85.81 19th 1603 98.8%
2013 84.20 55th 1652 96.7%
2014 81.52 104th 1734 94.0%
2015 76.78 198th 1743 88.6%
2016 74.50 250th 1762 85.8%
2017 91.94 48th 1777 97.3%
2018 90.61 52nd 1797 97.1%
2019 89.93 57th 1857 96.9%
2021 89.00 66th 1861 96.5%
2022 90.41 54th 1876 97.1%
2023 88.70 72nd 1961 96.3%
2024 91.24 42nd 1987 97.9%
See the entire list of Texas High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 89.45 31st 664 95.3%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 56.73 316th 1136 72.2%
2021 96.20 32nd 1195 97.3%
2022 83.91 100th 1278 92.2%
2023 92.30 56th 1371 95.9%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 61.97 307th 1347 77.2%
2019 99.93 6th 1357 99.6%
2021 73.15 191st 1382 86.2%
2022 99.32 22nd 1418 98.4%
2023 88.91 78th 1478 94.7%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 91.89 66th 1794 96.3%
2019 89.08 83rd 1818 95.4%
2021 89.13 58th 1848 96.9%
2022 89.91 68th 1847 96.3%
2023 89.37 74th 1897 96.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 86.40 97th 1781 94.6%
2019 88.06 62nd 1798 96.6%
2021 87.89 70th 1815 96.1%
2022 90.04 45th 1841 97.6%
2023 84.83 103rd 1891 94.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.61 721st 1137 36.6%
2019 60.32 577th 1145 49.6%
2021 67.91 429th 1177 63.6%
2022 59.83 609th 1172 48.0%
2023 67.38 450th 1182 61.9%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for At Risk students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.60 171st 1784 90.4%
2019 85.29 107th 1810 94.1%
2021 86.65 83rd 1829 95.5%
2022 90.41 69th 1837 96.2%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for Male students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 91.97 50th 1803 97.2%
2019 90.18 65th 1824 96.4%
2021 88.44 84th 1840 95.4%
2022 90.38 59th 1853 96.8%
2023 89.92 68th 1913 96.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 83.89 38th 486 92.2%
2019 75.44 91st 487 81.3%
2021 82.77 35th 488 92.8%
2022 83.92 33rd 507 93.5%
2023 83.91 13th 525 97.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 93.86 43rd 1031 95.8%
2023 96.07 20th 1069 98.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 90.79 60th 1691 96.5%
2019 91.16 54th 1714 96.8%
2021 90.12 52nd 1743 97.0%
2022 91.36 51st 1762 97.1%
2023 90.55 55th 1820 97.0%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 92.98 21st 1539 98.6%
2019 90.90 25th 1526 98.4%
2021 94.76 5th 1510 99.7%
2022 92.06 22nd 1525 98.6%
2023 89.94 45th 1576 97.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for White 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.

South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Texas Education Agency

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Saturday, February 6, 2010

Open Quote I go to Sci-tech, and it's an extremely amazing school. It provides so many opportunities that a lot of us are afraid to take. When you're here at Sci-tech, you feel compelled to better yourself. The school environment is so positive. The teachers are so helpful and outgoing. The spirit their is contagious. You can't help but just smile all the time there. The students are very friendly. They make you feel apart of something bigger than you, something meaningful. And I for sure am happy that I chose Sci-tech.
Our principle and Vice- Principle, are really down to earth people. They don't sit in their offices all day. No, they interact with everyone. Even know you on a name to name basis. Not because you were a bad student, but because their frequently conversing with the students, they become to form a good relationship with us. Knowing that the staff is down to earth, makes it easier for us to feel we're working in an adult environment. It's them trusting us, that gives us the motivation to do better.

T.Rios Close Quote



Enrollment information for South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1993 131 1 8 298 1 n/a n/a 0 439
1994 186 2 6 357 1 n/a n/a 0 552
1995 190 2 19 393 1 n/a n/a 0 605
1996 190 2 19 393 1 n/a n/a 0 605
1997 189 1 26 391 1 n/a n/a 0 608
1998 196 1 28 398 3 n/a n/a 0 626
1999 186 1 32 404 3 n/a n/a 0 626
2000 196 2 31 401 0 n/a n/a 0 630
2001 214 2 30 407 0 n/a n/a 0 653
2002 163 1 44 380 2 n/a n/a 0 590
2003 163 1 44 380 2 n/a n/a 0 590
2004 144 4 49 388 2 n/a n/a 0 587
2005 144 4 63 382 3 n/a n/a 0 596
2006 142 6 70 420 2 n/a n/a 0 640
2007 166 6 75 442 3 n/a n/a 0 692
2008 167 5 78 451 1 n/a n/a 0 702
2009 140 7 72 472 3 n/a n/a 0 694
2010 142 6 80 497 3 n/a n/a 0 728
2011 79 7 85 496 1 0 7 0 675
2012 67 10 98 523 2 0 8 0 708
2013 77 8 101 550 1 0 10 0 747
2014 59 2 105 601 1 0 13 0 781
2015 55 4 112 600 1 0 13 0 785
2016 54 2 104 562 0 0 9 0 731
2017 57 3 108 560 0 0 7 0 735
2018 70 6 109 610 0 0 6 0 801
2019 72 7 100 586 1 0 8 0 774
2020 58 6 104 588 0 1 10 0 767
2021 56 10 100 616 0 1 11 0 794
2022 57 10 99 585 0 1 12 0 764
2023 60 14 75 635 0 1 10 0 795

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 South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1993 439 31.0 14.2 32.6
1994 552 40.6 13.6 30.8
1995 605 41.5 14.6 35
1996 605 41.5 14.6 35
1997 608 40.6 15.0 33.9
1998 626 45.6 13.7 29.9
1999 626 47.0 13.3 41.2
2000 630 48.5 13.0 42.1
2001 653 45.5 14.4 30.3
2002 590 43.1 13.7 40
2003 590 43.1 13.7 40
2004 587 43.9 13.4 41.1
2005 596 43.5 13.7 42.4
2006 640 44.6 14.3 36.4
2007 692 44.8 15.4 42.8
2008 702 52.2 13.4 35.2
2009 694 53.2 13.0 41.1
2010 728 53.5 13.5 43.5
2011 675 54.4 12.4 46.5
2012 708 54.1 13.0 42.1
2013 747 54.1 13.7 43.4
2014 781 54.3 14.3 47.9
2015 785 55.0 14.2 43.6
2016 731 55.0 13.2 40.4
2017 735 55.7 13.1 37.1
2018 801 55.3 14.4 39.6
2019 774 56.8 13.6 40.6
2020 767 58.8 13.0 41.3
2021 794 59.4 13.3 41.4
2022 764 58.9 12.9 40.6
2023 795 59.2 13.4 43.5

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 South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1993 439 31.0 14.2 32.6
1994 552 40.6 13.6 30.8
1995 605 41.5 14.6 35
1996 605 41.5 14.6 35
1997 608 40.6 15.0 33.9
1998 626 45.6 13.7 29.9
1999 626 47.0 13.3 41.2
2000 630 48.5 13.0 42.1
2001 653 45.5 14.4 30.3
2002 590 43.1 13.7 40
2003 590 43.1 13.7 40
2004 587 43.9 13.4 41.1
2005 596 43.5 13.7 42.4
2006 640 44.6 14.3 36.4
2007 692 44.8 15.4 42.8
2008 702 52.2 13.4 35.2
2009 694 53.2 13.0 41.1
2010 728 53.5 13.5 43.5
2011 675 54.4 12.4 46.5
2012 708 54.1 13.0 42.1
2013 747 54.1 13.7 43.4
2014 781 54.3 14.3 47.9
2015 785 55.0 14.2 43.6
2016 731 55.0 13.2 40.4
2017 735 55.7 13.1 37.1
2018 801 55.3 14.4 39.6
2019 774 56.8 13.6 40.6
2020 767 58.8 13.0 41.3
2021 794 59.4 13.3 41.4
2022 764 58.9 12.9 40.6
2023 795 59.2 13.4 43.5

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 South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $816 (5.7%) $13,465 (94.3%) $14,280
2020 $734 (5.3%) $13,054 (94.7%) $13,788
2021 $1,090 (8.4%) $11,895 (91.6%) $12,985

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

Impact of COVID-19 on South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

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 57th of 1857 High schoolsRanks 72nd of 1961 High schools
 0.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy)6256
 6%
   End of Course Algebra I (South Texas Independent School District (Isd))8976
 13%
   End of Course Algebra I (Texas)6245
 17%
End of Course Biology (South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy)7676
   End of Course Biology (South Texas Independent School District (Isd))8886
 2%
   End of Course Biology (Texas)6357
 6%
End of Course English I Reading (South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy)8690
 4%
   End of Course English I Reading (South Texas Independent School District (Isd))8287
 5%
   End of Course English I Reading (Texas)4954
 5%
End of Course English II Reading (South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy)9293
 1%
   End of Course English II Reading (South Texas Independent School District (Isd))8185
 4%
   End of Course English II Reading (Texas)5156
 5%
End of Course U.S. History (South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy)9593
 2%
   End of Course U.S. History (South Texas Independent School District (Isd))8888
   End of Course U.S. History (Texas)7571
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students774795
 2.7%
African American714
 100%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian10075
 25%
Hispanic586635
 8.4%
Pacific Islander01
White7260
 16.7%
Two or More Races810
 25%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients40.6%43.5%
 3%


Schools Near South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy









Frequently Asked Questions about South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy

Students at South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy are 80% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 8% White, 2% African American, 1% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 795 students attended South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy.

Yes! South Texas Independent School District (Isd) Science Academy is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 42nd of 1987 Texas high schools.


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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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