Elvis J Ballew High School

Q: Is Elvis J Ballew High School a good school?

Elvis J Ballew High School ranks 797 th of 1987 Texas high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Elvis J Ballew High School is a small public high school in Pharr, Texas, serving grades 9-12 and part of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD). With a student population of only 52, the school has consistently underperformed compared to state and district averages, ranking in the bottom 10-15% of Texas high schools over the past decade.

The school's key challenges include extremely low graduation rates, ranging from 0% to 60% in recent years, and high dropout rates as high as 20.5%. Its STAAR EOC test scores have been highly variable, with some subjects performing above district and state averages while others lag significantly behind. These issues are compounded by the school's high poverty levels, with 87-98% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. In contrast, nearby PSJA Southwest Early College High School, PSJA North Early College High School, and PSJA Thomas Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School all have graduation rates of 95-100% and significantly lower dropout rates.

The combination of a small student population, high poverty levels, and inconsistent academic performance suggests that Elvis J Ballew High School may be facing significant challenges in terms of resources, staffing, and support for its students. Exploring the possibility of transitioning the school to an early college high school model, similar to its higher-performing neighbors, could be a promising strategy for improving educational outcomes for its students.

Detail:

Public 9-12

1100 E Hwy 83
Pharr, TX 78577

(956) 354-2520

District: Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
797^th of 1,987 Texas High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $26,570

Student/teacher ratio: 8.3

Number of students: 136

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

99.3%

White:

0.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 97.8%

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Compare Elvis J Ballew High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Elvis J Ballew High School ranks better than 59.9% of high schools in Texas. It also ranks 2^nd among 6 ranked high schools in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 55.73. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Elvis J Ballew High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (99.3%), White (0.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 97.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Elvis J Ballew High School is 8.3, which is the 3^rd best among 6 high schools in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)

Compare Elvis J Ballew High School employs 16.3 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Elvis J Ballew High School is $26,570, which is the 3^rd highest among 6 high schools in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd).

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Elvis J Ballew High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Elvis J Ballew High School 797^th of 1987 Texas public high schools. (See Elvis J Ballew High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Hispanic students:

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd) 460^th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Elvis J Ballew High School

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Rank History for all students at Elvis J Ballew High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	TX State Percentile
2004	33.27	1148^th	1427	19.6%
2005	27.69	1194^th	1429	16.4%
2006	22.96	1231^st	1430	13.9%
2007	13.15	1378^th	1497	7.9%
2008	4.40	1460^th	1510	3.3%
2009	2.87	1504^th	1539	2.3%
2010	1.31	1545^th	1568	1.5%
2011	12.93	1552^nd	1672	7.2%
2012	2.73	1556^th	1603	2.9%
2013	0.76	1642^nd	1652	0.6%
2014	0.56	1728^th	1734	0.3%
2015	0.81	1720^th	1743	1.3%
2016	0.52	1749^th	1762	0.7%
2017	3.34	1756^th	1777	1.2%
2018	3.63	1745^th	1797	2.9%
2019	2.60	1816^th	1857	2.2%
2021	16.60	1580^th	1861	15.1%
2024	55.73	797^th	1987	59.9%

See the entire list of Texas High School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Elvis J Ballew High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	TX State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	77.12	175^th	1435	87.8%

See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Elvis J Ballew High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	TX State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	95.17	39^th	1547	97.5%

See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Elvis J Ballew High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	TX State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	69.42	289^th	1883	84.7%

See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Elvis J Ballew High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	TX State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	65.41	378^th	1804	79.0%

See the entire list of Best Texas High 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.

Data source: Texas Education Agency

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Enrollment information for Elvis J Ballew High School

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Year	White	Asian	Hispanic	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1995	1	0	91	n/a	n/a	92
1996	1	0	91	n/a	n/a	92
1997	5	0	130	n/a	n/a	135
1998	6	0	160	n/a	n/a	166
1999	3	0	157	n/a	n/a	160
2000	4	0	69	n/a	n/a	73
2001	2	0	66	n/a	n/a	68
2002	1	0	78	n/a	n/a	79
2003	1	0	78	n/a	n/a	79
2004	1	0	81	n/a	n/a	82
2005	1	0	69	n/a	n/a	70
2006	0	0	61	n/a	n/a	61
2007	0	0	90	n/a	n/a	90
2008	0	0	149	n/a	n/a	149
2009	0	0	187	n/a	n/a	187
2010	0	0	200	n/a	n/a	200
2011	2	0	195	0	0	197
2012	1	1	207	0	0	209
2013	1	1	207	0	0	209
2014	0	1	195	0	0	196
2015	0	0	201	0	0	201
2016	3	0	238	0	0	241
2017	0	0	199	0	0	199
2018	1	0	357	0	0	358
2019	0	0	353	0	0	353
2020	1	0	219	0	0	220
2021	1	1	190	0	0	192
2022	1	0	65	0	0	66
2023	0	0	52	0	0	52
2024	1	0	135	0	0	136

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 Elvis J Ballew High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1995	92	11.1	8.3	66.3
1996	92	11.1	8.3	66.3
1997	135	14.1	9.6	77.8
1998	166	12.9	12.9	77.7
1999	160	14.1	11.3	73.1
2000	73	14.0	5.2	74
2001	68	16.0	4.3	69.1
2002	79	16.8	4.7	72.2
2003	79	16.8	4.7	72.2
2004	82	18.0	4.6	63.4
2005	70	16.0	4.4	64.3
2006	61	17.4	3.5	57.4
2007	90	18.9	4.8	64.4
2008	149	17.6	8.5	53
2009	187	20.1	9.3	39
2010	200	31.3	6.3	20
2011	197	16.8	11.6	0
2012	209	15.8	13.2	0
2013	209	15.6	13.3	96.2
2014	196	17.5	11.2	96.9
2015	201	18.0	11.1	89.6
2016	241	19.0	12.6	95.9
2017	199	19.0	10.4	98.5
2018	358	22.1	16.1	95.5
2019	353	28.7	12.2	98.3
2020	220	30.4	7.2	98.2
2021	192	24.6	7.7	98.4
2022	66	5.9	11.0	87.9
2023	52	12.0	4.3	96.2
2024	136	16.3	8.3	97.8

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 Elvis J Ballew High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1995	92	11.1	8.3	66.3
1996	92	11.1	8.3	66.3
1997	135	14.1	9.6	77.8
1998	166	12.9	12.9	77.7
1999	160	14.1	11.3	73.1
2000	73	14.0	5.2	74
2001	68	16.0	4.3	69.1
2002	79	16.8	4.7	72.2
2003	79	16.8	4.7	72.2
2004	82	18.0	4.6	63.4
2005	70	16.0	4.4	64.3
2006	61	17.4	3.5	57.4
2007	90	18.9	4.8	64.4
2008	149	17.6	8.5	53
2009	187	20.1	9.3	39
2010	200	31.3	6.3	20
2011	197	16.8	11.6	0
2012	209	15.8	13.2	0
2013	209	15.6	13.3	96.2
2014	196	17.5	11.2	96.9
2015	201	18.0	11.1	89.6
2016	241	19.0	12.6	95.9
2017	199	19.0	10.4	98.5
2018	358	22.1	16.1	95.5
2019	353	28.7	12.2	98.3
2020	220	30.4	7.2	98.2
2021	192	24.6	7.7	98.4
2022	66	5.9	11.0	87.9
2023	52	12.0	4.3	96.2
2024	136	16.3	8.3	97.8

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 Elvis J Ballew High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$3,923 (20.5%)	$15,181 (79.5%)	$19,104
2020	$4,375 (15.7%)	$23,490 (84.3%)	$27,865
2021	$4,868 (18.3%)	$21,703 (81.7%)	$26,570

Data source: Texas Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Elvis J Ballew High School

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.

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (Elvis J Ballew High School)	16	90	74%
End of Course Algebra I (Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd))	77	62	15%
End of Course Algebra I (Texas)	62	45	17%
End of Course Biology (Elvis J Ballew High School)	10	85	75%
End of Course Biology (Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd))	48	45	3%
End of Course Biology (Texas)	63	57	6%
End of Course English I Reading (Elvis J Ballew High School)	4	83	79%
End of Course English I Reading (Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd))	42	49	7%
End of Course English I Reading (Texas)	49	54	5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	353	52	85.3%
African American	0	0
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	353	52	85.3%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	0	0
Two or More Races	0	0
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	98.3%	96.2%	2.1%

Schools Near Elvis J Ballew High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				STAAR EOC Algebra I (2024)	STAAR EOC Biology (2024)	STAAR EOC English I Reading (2024)	STAAR EOC English II Reading (2024)	STAAR EOC U.S. History (2024)	STAAR Reading (2024)			STAAR Mathematics (2024)		STAAR Social Studies (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2021)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	STAAR EOC Algebra I End of Course	STAAR EOC Biology End of Course	STAAR EOC English I Reading End of Course	STAAR EOC English II Reading End of Course	STAAR EOC U.S. History End of Course	STAAR Reading 6th Grade	STAAR Reading 7th Grade	STAAR Reading 8th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 6th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 7th Grade	STAAR Social Studies 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Elvis J Ballew High School	Public	9-12	1100 E Hwy 83	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 354-2520	136	16	8.3	97.8%	1 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	135 (99.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	55.7	797^th of 1987 public high schools	59.9%					(n/a)	64.1	45.5	58.3	70.2								$26,570	$4,868	$21,703
Psja Thomas Jefferson T-Stem Early College High School	Public	9-12	714 E Business Hwy 83	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 784-8525	524	43	12.1	98.7%	5 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	518 (98.9%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	79.2	224^th of 1987 public high schools	88.7%		69.7	434^th of 1961 public high schools	77.9%	210	82.1	67.8	78.7	82.1	80.0							$11,660	$2,562	$9,098
Buell Central Daep	Public	6-12	218 E Juarez	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 354-2500	92	15	6.1	98.9%	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	92 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)												$103,893	$18,696	$85,198
Psja Sonia M Sotomayor High School	Public	6-12	1200 E Polk	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 354-2510	0	1	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)												$28,648	$4,891	$23,757
Psja Collegiate School Of Health Professions	Public	9-12	704 W Ridge Rd	San Juan	78589	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	(n/a)	(n/a)	(n/a)	(956) 354-2290	306	34	9.0	97.1%	3 (1.0%)	1 (0.3%)	299 (97.7%)	3 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	89.3	71^st of 1987 public high schools	96.4%		93.6	19^th of 1961 public high schools	99.0%	52	88.6	81.4	92.3	89.8	88.5
Psja Early College High School	Public	9-12	805 W Ridge Rd	San Juan	78589	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 354-2300	2,360	166	14.2	93.6%	13 (0.6%)	4 (0.2%)	2,338 (99.1%)	4 (0.2%)	1 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	43.5	1097^th of 1987 public high schools	44.8%		43.4	1101^st of 1961 public high schools	43.9%	4	53.7	46.2	53.1	61.2	53.5							$12,391	$2,329	$10,062
Premier H S Of San Juan	Public, Charter	9-12	1202 E Business 83	San Juan	78589	Hidalgo County	Premier High Schools	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 961-4721	124	8	16.1	95.2%	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.6%)	122 (98.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	56.3	781^st of 1987 public high schools	60.7%		46.6	1023^rd of 1961 public high schools	47.8%	242		62.5		62.5	66.7							$8,714	$836	$7,878
Idea College Preparatory San Juan	Public, Charter	6-12	600 E Sioux Rd	San Juan	78589	Hidalgo County	Idea Public Schools	Yes	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 588-4021	736	51	14.5	91.0%	10 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	721 (98.0%)	4 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	36.1	1287^th of 1987 public high schools	35.2%		41.7	1139^th of 1961 public high schools	41.9%	148	18.4	56.3	38.1	52.0	71.4	36.5	39.3	59.5	31.0	29.2	19.8	$12,659	$1,789	$10,871
Psja Southwest Early College High School	Public	9-12	300 E Javelina Dr	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 354-2480	1,597	127	12.5	96.3%	16 (1.0%)	3 (0.2%)	1,572 (98.4%)	4 (0.3%)	2 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	39.3	1189^th of 1987 public high schools	40.2%		35.7	1271^st of 1961 public high schools	35.2%	82	54.7	44.2	41.4	49.4	66.2							$13,892	$2,801	$11,091
Psja North Early College High School	Public	9-12	500 E Nolana Loop	Pharr	78577	Hidalgo County	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	Yes	(956) 354-2360	2,229	150	14.8	91.9%	15 (0.7%)	4 (0.2%)	2,208 (99.1%)	2 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	44	1082^nd of 1987 public high schools	45.5%		39.2	1191^st of 1961 public high schools	39.3%	109	66.7	41.6	50.1	57.0	58.2							$12,910	$2,379	$10,531

Frequently Asked Questions about Elvis J Ballew High School

What district is Elvis J Ballew High School in?

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (Isd)

Is Elvis J Ballew High School a good school?

Elvis J Ballew High School ranks 797^th of 1987 Texas high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Elvis J Ballew High School?

Students at Elvis J Ballew High School are 99% Hispanic.

How many students attend Elvis J Ballew High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 136 students attended Elvis J Ballew 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.