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Thornwood Elementary

Summary:

Thornwood Elementary is a public elementary school in Houston, Texas, serving 408 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), which is ranked 318 out of 968 districts in Texas and has a 3-star rating.

Thornwood Elementary has a diverse student population, with a higher percentage of African American (29.9%) and Hispanic (51.23%) students compared to nearby schools, which tend to have more White students. Over 88% of Thornwood's students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a lower socioeconomic status than surrounding schools. Academically, Thornwood's performance on STAAR tests is generally lower than the district and state averages across various subjects and grade levels. For example, in 2023-2024, the school's proficiency rates in reading and math were significantly below the district and state averages. Thornwood's statewide ranking has fluctuated between 1 and 3 stars out of 5, and in the most recent year, it ranked 2111 out of 4675 Texas elementary schools, placing it in the bottom half of the state.

While Thornwood's Gifted and Talented students perform relatively well, the school's African American, Hispanic, and English Language Learner students generally perform below their peers at the district and state levels. Despite increased per-student spending, from $10,395 in 2018-2019 to $12,397 in 2020-2021, Thornwood's academic outcomes have not significantly improved. In comparison, nearby schools like Rummel Creek Elementary and Wilchester Elementary have significantly higher academic performance and statewide rankings, likely due to serving a more affluent and less racially diverse student population.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 14400 Fern
       Houston, TX  77079-5599

(713) 251-7300

District: Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
2111th of 4,675 Texas Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,397 Help


Students who attend Thornwood Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Spring Forest Middle
High:    Stratford High School

Student/teacher ratio:  14.8 Help
Number of students:  393

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
46.6%
African American:
29.0%
White:
15.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  88% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Thornwood Elementary ranks better than 54.8% of elementary schools in Texas. It also ranks 13th among 25 ranked elementary schools in the Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 50.73. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Thornwood Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (46.6%), African American (29%), White (15.3%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 88% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Thornwood Elementary is 14.8, which is the 13th best among 25 elementary schools in the Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
Help
Compare Thornwood Elementary employs 26.4 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Thornwood Elementary is $12,397, which is the 15th highest among 25 elementary schools in the Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd).
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Thornwood Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Thornwood Elementary 2111th of 4675 Texas public elementary schools. (See Thornwood Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


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


Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd) 318th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Thornwood Elementary?

Rank History for Thornwood Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 53.55 1837th 3465 47.0%
2005 32.10 2785th 3475 19.9%
2006 9.00 3386th 3476 2.6%
2007 26.27 3214th 3724 13.7%
2008 31.61 3054th 3768 18.9%
2009 39.57 2764th 3884 28.8%
2010 23.05 3525th 3937 10.5%
2011 31.10 3345th 4095 18.3%
2012 48.75 2362nd 4206 43.8%
2013 49.94 2300th 4221 45.5%
2014 53.52 2122nd 4260 50.2%
2015 57.98 1913th 4320 55.7%
2016 30.92 3243rd 4286 24.3%
2017 36.23 2762nd 4329 36.2%
2018 17.60 3923rd 4359 10.0%
2019 16.73 4075th 4479 9.0%
2021 36.95 2733rd 4578 40.3%
2022 28.22 3467th 4581 24.3%
2023 44.90 2472nd 4647 46.8%
2024 50.73 2111th 4675 54.8%
See the entire list of Texas Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.00 2423rd 3226 24.9%
2019 14.05 3235th 3333 2.9%
2021 37.80 2199th 3446 36.2%
2022 33.68 2570th 3487 26.3%
2023 46.99 1845th 3556 48.1%
2024 55.00 1401st 3638 61.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 35.34 2357th 3558 33.8%
2019 16.26 3608th 3684 2.1%
2021 30.29 2785th 3799 26.7%
2022 44.16 1978th 3952 49.9%
2023 48.13 1755th 4086 57.0%
2024 33.40 3017th 4261 29.2%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 21.58 3858th 4264 9.5%
2019 22.94 3846th 4309 10.7%
2021 52.21 1871st 4451 58.0%
2022 34.94 3178th 4477 29.0%
2023 56.79 1717th 4521 62.0%
2024 65.23 1187th 4560 74.0%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 22.35 3702nd 4306 14.0%
2019 16.03 4047th 4348 6.9%
2021 29.52 3223rd 4499 28.4%
2022 29.66 3445th 4561 24.5%
2023 50.17 2135th 4588 53.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 43.08 1990th 3006 33.8%
2023 75.07 398th 2980 86.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for At Risk students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.31 2411th 4240 43.1%
2019 27.65 3547th 4295 17.4%
2021 44.06 2270th 4331 47.6%
2022 28.93 3573rd 4461 19.9%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for Male students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 17.16 3963rd 4319 8.2%
2019 21.13 3791st 4357 13.0%
2021 46.59 2169th 4498 51.8%
2022 29.08 3452nd 4563 24.3%
2023 42.12 2623rd 4585 42.8%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 31.45 730th 967 24.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.48 1893rd 2483 23.8%
2019 33.60 1817th 2515 27.8%
2021 53.91 907th 2444 62.9%
2022 41.86 1395th 2421 42.4%
2023 44.82 1244th 2443 49.1%
2024 57.01 883rd 2421 63.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.69 3812th 4168 8.5%
2019 21.03 3784th 4188 9.6%
2021 51.40 1848th 4329 57.3%
2022 32.14 3273rd 4376 25.2%
2023 56.21 1692nd 4401 61.6%
2024 66.42 1117th 4431 74.8%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Thornwood Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 26.20 2553rd 3127 18.4%
2019 20.71 2782nd 3142 11.5%
2021 13.75 2886th 3082 6.4%
2022 15.86 2853rd 3082 7.4%
2023 46.61 1755th 3106 43.5%
2024 32.48 2306th 3078 25.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas Elementary 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.

Thornwood Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Texas Education Agency

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2)
0%

0%

0%

100%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a citizen
Friday, February 26, 2016

Open Quote Very concerned about the signs being in spanish , I feel that all school notifications should be in English so that everyone has the opportunity to read it . Close Quote



Enrollment information for Thornwood Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 254 41 73 124 n/a n/a n/a 0 492
1989 265 32 66 133 0 n/a n/a 0 496
1990 303 34 84 141 2 n/a n/a 0 564
1991 286 26 82 111 2 n/a n/a -36 471
1992 265 25 50 128 0 n/a n/a 0 468
1993 241 30 56 119 0 n/a n/a 0 446
1994 236 32 62 122 0 n/a n/a 0 452
1995 232 46 46 122 1 n/a n/a 0 447
1996 232 46 46 122 1 n/a n/a 0 447
1997 224 51 46 130 2 n/a n/a 0 453
1998 185 59 49 119 0 n/a n/a 0 412
1999 152 55 59 111 0 n/a n/a 0 377
2000 125 62 55 99 2 n/a n/a 0 343
2001 115 82 64 161 0 n/a n/a 0 422
2002 106 96 90 146 1 n/a n/a 0 439
2003 106 96 90 146 1 n/a n/a 0 439
2004 93 96 75 147 0 n/a n/a 0 411
2005 102 129 66 131 0 n/a n/a 0 428
2006 106 195 62 177 0 n/a n/a 0 540
2007 81 224 47 158 1 n/a n/a 0 511
2008 66 206 34 148 1 n/a n/a 0 455
2009 57 212 19 173 2 n/a n/a 0 463
2010 41 170 29 199 1 n/a n/a 0 440
2011 34 119 22 233 6 1 4 0 419
2012 52 109 22 260 11 0 3 0 457
2013 50 118 25 270 8 0 6 0 477
2014 60 102 27 278 16 0 6 0 489
2015 50 94 22 191 15 0 4 0 376
2016 57 100 28 199 11 0 4 0 399
2017 67 117 20 216 2 0 4 0 426
2018 67 133 19 197 1 0 14 0 431
2019 54 154 22 186 1 0 13 0 430
2020 57 141 22 167 2 0 16 0 405
2021 58 147 17 161 1 0 12 0 396
2022 45 129 16 178 1 0 20 0 389
2023 40 122 12 209 2 0 23 0 408
2024 60 114 15 183 2 1 18 0 393

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 Thornwood Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 492 22.0 22.3 n/a
1989 496 n/a n/a n/a
1990 564 30.0 18.8 n/a
1991 471 30.0 15.7 n/a
1992 468 27.3 17.1 27.6
1993 446 25.0 17.8 28.9
1994 452 25.5 17.7 26.1
1995 447 27.0 16.6 28.9
1996 447 27.0 16.6 28.9
1997 453 27.0 16.8 28.3
1998 412 27.0 15.3 37.9
1999 377 25.7 14.7 36.6
2000 343 28.3 12.1 37
2001 422 24.9 16.9 48.1
2002 439 29.5 14.9 41
2003 439 29.5 14.9 41
2004 411 30.0 13.7 51.3
2005 428 31.4 13.6 55.4
2006 540 34.9 15.5 68.9
2007 511 40.5 12.6 71.8
2008 455 37.4 12.2 71.6
2009 463 35.2 13.1 71.7
2010 440 33.0 13.3 78
2011 419 34.0 12.3 84.7
2012 457 29.3 15.5 82.7
2013 477 31.6 15.0 82.6
2014 489 29.3 16.6 81.8
2015 376 28.0 13.4 52.7
2016 399 26.0 15.3 79.2
2017 426 31.6 13.4 77.2
2018 431 32.0 13.4 79.4
2019 430 33.0 13.0 87.7
2020 405 33.4 12.0 89.1
2021 396 27.7 14.2 91.2
2022 389 30.4 12.7 89.2
2023 408 27.9 14.5 88.5
2024 393 26.4 14.8 88

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 Thornwood Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 492 22.0 22.3 n/a
1989 496 n/a n/a n/a
1990 564 30.0 18.8 n/a
1991 471 30.0 15.7 n/a
1992 468 27.3 17.1 27.6
1993 446 25.0 17.8 28.9
1994 452 25.5 17.7 26.1
1995 447 27.0 16.6 28.9
1996 447 27.0 16.6 28.9
1997 453 27.0 16.8 28.3
1998 412 27.0 15.3 37.9
1999 377 25.7 14.7 36.6
2000 343 28.3 12.1 37
2001 422 24.9 16.9 48.1
2002 439 29.5 14.9 41
2003 439 29.5 14.9 41
2004 411 30.0 13.7 51.3
2005 428 31.4 13.6 55.4
2006 540 34.9 15.5 68.9
2007 511 40.5 12.6 71.8
2008 455 37.4 12.2 71.6
2009 463 35.2 13.1 71.7
2010 440 33.0 13.3 78
2011 419 34.0 12.3 84.7
2012 457 29.3 15.5 82.7
2013 477 31.6 15.0 82.6
2014 489 29.3 16.6 81.8
2015 376 28.0 13.4 52.7
2016 399 26.0 15.3 79.2
2017 426 31.6 13.4 77.2
2018 431 32.0 13.4 79.4
2019 430 33.0 13.0 87.7
2020 405 33.4 12.0 89.1
2021 396 27.7 14.2 91.2
2022 389 30.4 12.7 89.2
2023 408 27.9 14.5 88.5
2024 393 26.4 14.8 88

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 Thornwood Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,442 (13.9%) $8,953 (86.1%) $10,395
2020 $1,658 (14.5%) $9,801 (85.5%) $11,459
2021 $1,816 (14.6%) $10,581 (85.4%) $12,397

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Thornwood Elementary

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 4075th of 4479 Elementary schoolsRanks 2472nd of 4647 Elementary schools
 37.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade Reading (Thornwood Elementary)2738
 11%
   3rd Grade Reading (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))4761
 14%
   3rd Grade Reading (Texas)4450
 6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Thornwood Elementary)3240
 8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))4752
 5%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Texas)4843
 5%
3rd Grade Reading (Thornwood Elementary)4030
 10%
   3rd Grade Reading (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))2518
 7%
   3rd Grade Reading (Texas)3926
 13%
4th Grade Reading (Thornwood Elementary)1637
 21%
   4th Grade Reading (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))4656
 10%
   4th Grade Reading (Texas)4347
 4%
4th Grade Mathematics (Thornwood Elementary)1543
 28%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))4858
 10%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Texas)4647
 1%
5th Grade Reading (Thornwood Elementary)3650
 14%
   5th Grade Reading (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))5265
 13%
   5th Grade Reading (Texas)5156
 5%
5th Grade Mathematics (Thornwood Elementary)3259
 27%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))5561
 6%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Texas)5650
 6%
5th Grade Science (Thornwood Elementary)4028
 12%
   5th Grade Science (Spring Branch Independent School District (Isd))4541
 4%
   5th Grade Science (Texas)4834
 14%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students430408
 5.1%
African American154122
 20.8%
American Indian12
 100%
Asian2212
 45.5%
Hispanic186209
 12.4%
Pacific Islander00
White5440
 25.9%
Two or More Races1323
 76.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients87.7%88.5%
 0.8%

Schools Near Thornwood Elementary








Frequently Asked Questions about Thornwood Elementary

Students who attend Thornwood Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Spring Forest Middle
High : Stratford High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 393 students attended Thornwood Elementary.

Students at Thornwood Elementary are 47% Hispanic, 29% African American, 15% White, 5% Two or more races, 4% Asian.

Thornwood Elementary ranks 2111th of 4675 Texas elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


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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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