Ponder High School

Summary:

Ponder High School is a public high school serving 505 students in grades 9-12 in the town of Ponder, Texas. The school is part of the Krum Independent School District, which is ranked 440 out of 968 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Ponder High School stands out for its strong academic performance, with consistently high rankings among Texas high schools and a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school boasts excellent graduation rates of 96.3%, well above the state average, and very low dropout rates. Ponder students also outperform their peers on STAAR End-of-Course exams, particularly in subjects like English II Reading, U.S. History, and Biology. However, the school faces some challenges in serving its diverse student population, with subgroup performance varying significantly, especially for English Language Learners and Special Education students.

Compared to nearby schools like Krum High School, Guyer High School, and Northwest High School, Ponder High School generally outperforms in terms of academic achievement, graduation rates, and test scores. But some schools in the area, such as Argyle High School, have even stronger academic profiles. Additionally, Ponder High School has seen a gradual decline in enrollment over the past few years, which could be a potential concern for the school and district.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 300 W Bailey
       Ponder, TX  76259


(940) 479-8312

District: Ponder Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
414th of 1,987 Texas High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,657 Help


Feeder schools for Ponder High School:

Elementary:    Ponder Elementary
Middle:    Ponder J H

Student/teacher ratio:  12.4 Help
Number of students:  536

Racial breakdown:

White:
57.8%
Hispanic:
34.3%
African American:
3.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  38.6% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Ponder High School ranks better than 79.2% of high schools in Texas. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 70.3. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Ponder High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (57.8%), Hispanic (34.3%), African American (3.4%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 38.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ponder High School is 12.4. (See more...)
Help
Compare Ponder High School employs 42.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ponder High School is $10,657.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Ponder High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Ponder High School 414th of 1987 Texas public high schools. (See Ponder High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Ponder Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks Ponder Independent School District (Isd) 440th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Ponder High School

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Rank History for all students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 61.73 618th 1427 56.7%
2005 68.64 411th 1429 71.2%
2006 72.84 309th 1430 78.4%
2007 70.20 412th 1497 72.5%
2008 70.34 377th 1510 75.0%
2009 70.82 354th 1539 77.0%
2010 64.93 560th 1568 64.3%
2011 69.63 410th 1672 75.5%
2012 64.95 422nd 1603 73.7%
2013 68.41 397th 1652 76.0%
2014 63.50 562nd 1734 67.6%
2015 67.05 489th 1743 71.9%
2016 69.57 390th 1762 77.9%
2017 61.54 504th 1777 71.6%
2018 61.41 536th 1797 70.2%
2019 57.62 680th 1857 63.4%
2021 64.64 535th 1861 71.3%
2022 58.00 659th 1876 64.9%
2023 63.25 609th 1961 68.9%
2024 70.30 414th 1987 79.2%
See the entire list of Texas High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 45.59 346th 677 48.9%
2024 59.26 245th 730 66.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.98 856th 1113 23.1%
2019 59.36 282nd 1136 75.2%
2021 46.96 483rd 1195 59.6%
2022 31.74 821st 1278 35.8%
2023 31.46 882nd 1371 35.7%
2024 42.64 652nd 1435 54.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.46 166th 1347 87.7%
2019 68.03 234th 1357 82.8%
2021 73.23 189th 1382 86.3%
2022 39.36 796th 1418 43.9%
2023 20.40 1335th 1478 9.7%
2024 64.85 339th 1547 78.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 42.28 991st 1794 44.8%
2019 42.90 1014th 1818 44.2%
2021 49.54 826th 1848 55.3%
2022 42.12 1003rd 1847 45.7%
2023 49.36 817th 1897 56.9%
2024 59.82 492nd 1883 73.9%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 63.15 539th 1781 69.7%
2019 50.71 878th 1798 51.2%
2021 63.66 555th 1815 69.4%
2022 52.57 807th 1841 56.2%
2023 61.25 616th 1891 67.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.18 728th 1137 36.0%
2019 65.15 453rd 1145 60.4%
2021 66.56 474th 1177 59.7%
2022 58.38 635th 1172 45.8%
2023 71.99 217th 1182 81.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for At Risk students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 35.82 1138th 1784 36.2%
2019 32.66 1292nd 1810 28.6%
2021 45.53 849th 1829 53.6%
2022 39.00 1019th 1837 44.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for Male students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 56.16 641st 1803 64.4%
2019 61.03 568th 1824 68.9%
2021 62.93 547th 1840 70.3%
2022 59.84 580th 1853 68.7%
2023 62.72 572nd 1913 70.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 34.45 636th 1013 37.2%
2019 49.22 433rd 1024 57.7%
2023 79.98 137th 1069 87.2%
2024 95.40 31st 1065 97.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 38.79 1016th 1691 39.9%
2019 42.12 980th 1714 42.8%
2021 47.96 825th 1743 52.7%
2022 48.86 763rd 1762 56.7%
2023 49.36 807th 1820 55.7%
2024 57.24 560th 1804 69.0%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Ponder High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 54.67 635th 1539 58.7%
2019 49.47 762nd 1526 50.1%
2021 55.06 629th 1510 58.3%
2022 46.57 794th 1525 47.9%
2023 57.23 605th 1576 61.6%
2024 61.58 463rd 1556 70.2%
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.

Ponder High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Texas Education Agency

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Enrollment information for Ponder High School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 155 0 2 6 1 n/a n/a 0 164
1990 149 0 2 7 1 n/a n/a 0 159
1991 172 0 3 7 2 n/a n/a 0 184
1992 184 0 2 6 3 n/a n/a 0 195
1993 201 0 1 5 4 n/a n/a 0 211
1994 208 0 2 9 4 n/a n/a 0 223
1995 237 0 3 13 3 n/a n/a 0 256
1996 237 0 3 13 3 n/a n/a 0 256
1997 224 0 2 11 2 n/a n/a 0 239
1998 230 0 2 9 2 n/a n/a 0 243
1999 211 3 2 14 1 n/a n/a 0 231
2000 244 3 2 26 0 n/a n/a 0 275
2001 249 1 1 26 1 n/a n/a 0 278
2002 307 1 0 41 0 n/a n/a 0 349
2003 307 1 0 41 0 n/a n/a 0 349
2004 325 3 0 44 0 n/a n/a 0 372
2005 366 1 0 54 2 n/a n/a 0 423
2006 232 0 0 37 2 n/a n/a 0 271
2007 263 0 0 28 2 n/a n/a 0 293
2008 272 0 1 37 2 n/a n/a 0 312
2009 296 1 1 42 2 n/a n/a 0 342
2010 305 2 1 41 1 n/a n/a 0 350
2011 274 3 2 47 2 0 7 0 335
2012 296 5 2 58 3 0 5 0 369
2013 307 3 3 60 5 1 7 0 386
2014 287 2 5 62 5 1 7 0 369
2015 315 5 3 63 5 1 7 0 399
2016 310 3 2 69 3 1 8 0 396
2017 312 3 2 76 2 0 8 0 403
2018 312 8 4 88 3 0 3 0 418
2019 319 10 5 93 6 0 1 0 434
2020 323 12 3 102 6 0 2 0 448
2021 341 12 4 116 6 0 1 0 480
2022 328 10 5 132 6 0 2 0 483
2023 306 15 3 162 4 0 15 0 505
2024 310 18 4 184 4 0 16 0 536

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 Ponder High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 164 n/a n/a n/a
1990 159 17.0 9.3 n/a
1991 184 17.2 10.6 n/a
1992 195 17.1 11.4 14.4
1993 211 19.0 11.1 18
1994 223 20.3 11.0 11.2
1995 256 21.5 11.9 11.7
1996 256 21.5 11.9 11.7
1997 239 21.5 11.1 8.8
1998 243 25.9 9.4 8.6
1999 231 27.5 8.4 12.6
2000 275 27.6 10.0 13.5
2001 278 33.0 8.4 12.2
2002 349 36.8 9.5 18.1
2003 349 36.8 9.5 18.1
2004 372 38.5 9.7 21
2005 423 36.7 11.5 21.7
2006 271 21.9 12.4 18.8
2007 293 22.3 13.1 17.4
2008 312 23.9 13.1 20.2
2009 342 25.9 13.2 19.3
2010 350 28.8 12.1 23.7
2011 335 28.5 11.7 23
2012 369 28.2 13.0 26.8
2013 386 29.8 12.9 28.8
2014 369 29.8 12.3 30.9
2015 399 29.0 13.7 29.1
2016 396 29.0 13.6 32.1
2017 403 28.8 13.9 30.8
2018 418 30.0 13.8 27.5
2019 434 30.4 14.2 30.4
2020 448 32.5 13.7 33.5
2021 480 33.9 14.1 32.7
2022 483 37.0 13.0 30
2023 505 40.4 12.4 36.2
2024 536 42.8 12.4 38.6

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 Ponder High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 164 n/a n/a n/a
1990 159 17.0 9.3 n/a
1991 184 17.2 10.6 n/a
1992 195 17.1 11.4 14.4
1993 211 19.0 11.1 18
1994 223 20.3 11.0 11.2
1995 256 21.5 11.9 11.7
1996 256 21.5 11.9 11.7
1997 239 21.5 11.1 8.8
1998 243 25.9 9.4 8.6
1999 231 27.5 8.4 12.6
2000 275 27.6 10.0 13.5
2001 278 33.0 8.4 12.2
2002 349 36.8 9.5 18.1
2003 349 36.8 9.5 18.1
2004 372 38.5 9.7 21
2005 423 36.7 11.5 21.7
2006 271 21.9 12.4 18.8
2007 293 22.3 13.1 17.4
2008 312 23.9 13.1 20.2
2009 342 25.9 13.2 19.3
2010 350 28.8 12.1 23.7
2011 335 28.5 11.7 23
2012 369 28.2 13.0 26.8
2013 386 29.8 12.9 28.8
2014 369 29.8 12.3 30.9
2015 399 29.0 13.7 29.1
2016 396 29.0 13.6 32.1
2017 403 28.8 13.9 30.8
2018 418 30.0 13.8 27.5
2019 434 30.4 14.2 30.4
2020 448 32.5 13.7 33.5
2021 480 33.9 14.1 32.7
2022 483 37.0 13.0 30
2023 505 40.4 12.4 36.2
2024 536 42.8 12.4 38.6

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 Ponder High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $327 (3.0%) $10,637 (97.0%) $10,964
2020 $446 (4.1%) $10,328 (95.9%) $10,773
2021 $1,071 (10.0%) $9,585 (89.9%) $10,657

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Ponder 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.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 680th of 1857 High schoolsRanks 609th of 1961 High schools
 5.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (Ponder High School)3959
 20%
   End of Course Algebra I (Ponder Independent School District (Isd))4168
 27%
   End of Course Algebra I (Texas)6245
 17%
End of Course Biology (Ponder High School)6577
 12%
   End of Course Biology (Ponder Independent School District (Isd))6577
 12%
   End of Course Biology (Texas)6357
 6%
End of Course English I Reading (Ponder High School)6768
 1%
   End of Course English I Reading (Ponder Independent School District (Isd))6768
 1%
   End of Course English I Reading (Texas)4954
 5%
End of Course English II Reading (Ponder High School)6366
 3%
   End of Course English II Reading (Ponder Independent School District (Isd))6366
 3%
   End of Course English II Reading (Texas)5156
 5%
End of Course U.S. History (Ponder High School)7465
 9%
   End of Course U.S. History (Ponder Independent School District (Isd))7465
 9%
   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 Students434505
 16.4%
African American1015
 50%
American Indian64
 33.3%
Asian53
 40%
Hispanic93162
 74.2%
Pacific Islander00
White319306
 4.1%
Two or More Races115
 1400%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients30.4%36.2%
 5.8%


Schools Near Ponder High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Ponder High School

Ponder High School ranks 414th of 1987 Texas high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Ponder High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Ponder Elementary
Middle : Ponder J H

In the 2023-24 school year, 536 students attended Ponder High School.

Students at Ponder High School are 58% White, 34% Hispanic, 3% African American, 3% Two or more races.


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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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