Waco Independent School District (Isd)

The Waco Independent School District (ISD) in Texas operates 24 schools, including 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district serves a diverse student population, with many schools having high percentages of economically disadvantaged students.

Among the standout schools in the district are Hillcrest PDS Magnet, an elementary school with exceptional academic performance, and Lake Air Montessori School, another high-achieving elementary school. At the middle school level, Tennyson Middle stands out with the highest proficiency rates in the district for 8th grade STAAR Reading, Math, and Science. While the district's high schools generally struggle with low graduation rates and academic performance, University High School outperforms Waco High School across several key metrics.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic achievement across the district, with many schools performing well below state averages on STAAR assessments. The high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students at many schools suggest that these students face significant barriers to success. However, the success of the district's magnet and charter schools, such as Hillcrest PDS Magnet and Lake Air Montessori, indicates that specialized programs may be an effective strategy for improving outcomes for students in the Waco ISD.