Best Public Schools in Zip Code 78574

The 78574 zip code area is home to 13 schools, including 9 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 3 high schools, spread across two school districts - La Joya Independent School District (ISD) and Mission Consolidated Independent School District. While the area has some standout performers, such as Enrique Kiki Camarena Elementary and the Idea North Mission Academy and Idea North Mission College Preparatory charter schools, there are also schools struggling with lower academic performance.

The high schools in the area have generally strong graduation rates, ranging from 91.6% to 93.0%, which are above the state average. However, test scores on STAAR exams vary widely, with some schools like Enrique Kiki Camarena Elementary and the Idea schools outperforming district and state averages, while others like Juan Seguin Elementary and Evangelina Garza Elementary struggle with much lower proficiency rates. This disparity in performance suggests a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic outcomes, as the schools with the highest percentages of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch tend to have lower test scores.

The racial and ethnic composition of the schools is overwhelmingly Hispanic, ranging from 90.76% to 100% of the student population, with minimal representation of other racial and ethnic groups. Additionally, the schools in the La Joya ISD generally perform worse than those in the Mission CISD, indicating potential differences in district-level resources, policies, and support. The presence of high-performing Idea Public Schools charter schools in the area, however, demonstrates the potential for alternative educational options to provide quality education, especially in economically disadvantaged communities.