United South High School

Summary:

United South High School is a public high school in Laredo, Texas, serving 3,243 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the United Independent School District, which is ranked 310 out of 968 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating.

United South High School stands out for its overwhelmingly Hispanic student population (over 99%), significantly higher than the state average. The school has maintained strong graduation rates, ranging from 92.9% to 94.9% over the past five years, outperforming the state average and nearby schools like Nixon High School. However, the school's performance on STAAR End-of-Course exams has been mixed, with better results in U.S. History but lagging behind in subjects like Algebra I and English I/II Reading.

United South High School faces challenges in providing a high-quality education, as evidenced by its consistent ranking in the bottom half of Texas high schools and a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's student population is predominantly from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, with 85-86% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. While the school performs better for Hispanic students and English Language Learners, it struggles with the performance of Special Education and Gifted and Talented students. Addressing these disparities and improving academic outcomes for all students should be a priority for the district and the community.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 4001 Ave Los Presidentes
       Laredo, TX  78046


(956) 473-5400

District: United Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
1152nd of 1,987 Texas High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,734 Help


Feeder schools for United South High School:

Elementary:    Bonnie L Garcia Elementary
    Freedom Elementary
    Henry Cuellar Elementary
    Judith Zaffirini Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Antonio Gonzalez Middle
    Raul Perales Middle
    United South Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  17.1 Help
Number of students:  3,252

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
99.5%
Asian:
0.2%
White:
0.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  84.8% Help


 See top rated Texas high schools

 Compare United South High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details United South High School ranks worse than 58% of high schools in Texas. It also ranks 3rd among 5 ranked high schools in the United Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 41.01. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at United South 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: Hispanic (99.5%), Asian (0.2%), African American (0.1%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 84.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at United South High School is 17.1. 3 high schools in the United Independent School District (Isd) have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare United South High School employs 189.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at United South High School is $9,734, which is the 3rd highest among 5 high schools in the United Independent School District (Isd).
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

United South High School:

SchoolDigger ranks United South High School 1152nd of 1987 Texas public high schools. (See United South 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:


United Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks United Independent School District (Isd) 310th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for United South High School?

Rank History for United South High School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 36.17 1118th 1427 21.7%
2005 38.91 1062nd 1429 25.7%
2006 33.91 1108th 1430 22.5%
2007 34.87 1157th 1497 22.7%
2008 34.74 1201st 1510 20.5%
2009 29.67 1300th 1539 15.5%
2010 42.79 1188th 1568 24.2%
2011 44.07 1229th 1672 26.5%
2012 29.28 1287th 1603 19.7%
2013 30.23 1279th 1652 22.6%
2014 36.11 1236th 1734 28.7%
2015 39.00 1211th 1743 30.5%
2016 39.53 1198th 1762 32.0%
2017 32.91 1180th 1777 33.6%
2018 28.40 1319th 1797 26.6%
2019 37.55 1193rd 1857 35.8%
2021 31.95 1275th 1861 31.5%
2022 33.32 1268th 1876 32.4%
2023 36.20 1258th 1961 35.8%
2024 41.01 1152nd 1987 42.0%
See the entire list of Texas High School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 34.27 696th 1113 37.5%
2019 37.03 638th 1136 43.8%
2021 30.59 857th 1195 28.3%
2022 30.40 850th 1278 33.5%
2023 31.89 872nd 1371 36.4%
2024 40.98 698th 1435 51.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 44.73 610th 1347 54.7%
2019 58.80 363rd 1357 73.2%
2021 50.98 498th 1382 64.0%
2022 39.08 805th 1418 43.2%
2023 44.68 702nd 1478 52.5%
2024 59.91 426th 1547 72.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.38 1265th 1794 29.5%
2019 42.90 1015th 1818 44.2%
2021 39.05 1135th 1848 38.6%
2022 38.17 1116th 1847 39.6%
2023 40.19 1091st 1897 42.5%
2024 56.80 574th 1883 69.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 28.21 1373rd 1781 22.9%
2019 37.83 1201st 1798 33.2%
2021 30.73 1298th 1815 28.5%
2022 31.97 1274th 1841 30.8%
2023 35.09 1244th 1891 34.2%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.96 984th 1137 13.5%
2019 56.95 644th 1145 43.8%
2021 29.66 990th 1177 15.9%
2022 60.66 591st 1172 49.6%
2023 57.04 697th 1182 41.0%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for At Risk students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.87 1072nd 1784 39.9%
2019 42.36 963rd 1810 46.8%
2021 29.62 1318th 1829 27.9%
2022 38.15 1060th 1837 42.3%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for Male students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.64 1368th 1803 24.1%
2019 35.13 1196th 1824 34.4%
2021 30.92 1277th 1840 30.6%
2022 32.54 1239th 1853 33.1%
2023 34.95 1226th 1913 35.9%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at United South High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 32.30 1190th 1691 29.6%
2019 41.45 998th 1714 41.8%
2021 36.94 1095th 1743 37.2%
2022 37.60 1070th 1762 39.3%
2023 41.44 1015th 1820 44.2%
2024 56.64 577th 1804 68.0%
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.

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



Data source: Texas Education Agency

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Open Quote An amazing school! Best JROTC I know of and great teachers. In my opinion best school of south Laredo. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, July 25, 2011

Open Quote It has an exceptional magnet school of business and computer technology. Close Quote



Enrollment information for United South High School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1991 12 1 0 797 1 n/a n/a 0 811
1992 21 2 1 1426 0 n/a n/a 0 1450
1993 19 1 2 1280 0 n/a n/a 0 1302
1994 25 2 1 1477 0 n/a n/a 0 1505
1995 25 0 1 1677 0 n/a n/a 0 1703
1996 25 0 1 1677 0 n/a n/a 0 1703
1997 18 1 2 1907 0 n/a n/a 0 1928
1998 16 1 2 2043 0 n/a n/a 0 2062
1999 23 2 3 2223 0 n/a n/a 0 2251
2000 28 2 3 2369 0 n/a n/a 0 2402
2001 27 2 4 2482 0 n/a n/a 0 2515
2002 15 1 1 2005 0 n/a n/a 0 2022
2003 15 1 1 2005 0 n/a n/a 0 2022
2004 9 1 0 1884 0 n/a n/a 0 1894
2005 6 1 1 1706 0 n/a n/a 0 1714
2006 9 3 3 1995 0 n/a n/a 0 2010
2007 11 2 6 2187 0 n/a n/a 0 2206
2008 9 4 2 2362 0 n/a n/a 0 2377
2009 9 2 2 2503 0 n/a n/a 0 2516
2010 10 2 5 2616 1 n/a n/a 0 2634
2011 14 3 3 2661 2 0 1 0 2684
2012 21 3 3 2752 3 0 1 0 2783
2013 25 2 2 2870 1 0 1 0 2901
2014 24 1 3 3028 2 0 1 0 3059
2015 21 1 2 3194 1 0 0 0 3219
2016 14 4 3 3276 1 0 1 0 3299
2017 6 1 2 3264 0 0 1 0 3274
2018 7 1 2 3252 0 0 0 0 3262
2019 4 3 3 3204 0 0 0 0 3214
2020 3 3 1 3176 0 0 1 0 3184
2021 3 4 2 3243 0 0 2 0 3254
2022 4 2 2 3165 0 0 2 0 3175
2023 3 4 7 3227 0 0 2 0 3243
2024 4 3 7 3237 0 0 1 0 3252

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 United South High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 811 49.9 16.2 n/a
1992 1450 81.4 17.8 75.3
1993 1302 74.0 17.6 62.1
1994 1505 84.3 17.9 27.6
1995 1703 110.0 15.5 82.3
1996 1703 110.0 15.5 82.3
1997 1928 110.1 17.5 74.8
1998 2062 120.6 17.1 79.1
1999 2251 141.5 15.9 75
2000 2402 157.7 15.2 85.9
2001 2515 171.4 14.7 84.4
2002 2022 141.8 14.3 82
2003 2022 141.8 14.3 82
2004 1894 127.0 14.9 79.3
2005 1714 119.6 14.3 79.8
2006 2010 127.8 15.7 81.9
2007 2206 138.8 15.9 77.5
2008 2377 151.0 15.7 72.2
2009 2516 159.3 15.8 76.5
2010 2634 161.2 16.3 79.1
2011 2684 170.4 15.7 82
2012 2783 165.2 16.8 80.8
2013 2901 172.3 16.8 78.8
2014 3059 173.8 17.5 78.6
2015 3219 179.0 17.9 79.2
2016 3299 184.0 17.9 85.1
2017 3274 187.0 17.5 85.1
2018 3262 189.8 17.1 85.8
2019 3214 193.9 16.5 85.5
2020 3184 189.9 16.7 83.7
2021 3254 196.4 16.5 85.6
2022 3175 192.1 16.5 86.2
2023 3243 192.4 16.8 85.1
2024 3252 189.5 17.1 84.8

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 United South High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 811 49.9 16.2 n/a
1992 1450 81.4 17.8 75.3
1993 1302 74.0 17.6 62.1
1994 1505 84.3 17.9 27.6
1995 1703 110.0 15.5 82.3
1996 1703 110.0 15.5 82.3
1997 1928 110.1 17.5 74.8
1998 2062 120.6 17.1 79.1
1999 2251 141.5 15.9 75
2000 2402 157.7 15.2 85.9
2001 2515 171.4 14.7 84.4
2002 2022 141.8 14.3 82
2003 2022 141.8 14.3 82
2004 1894 127.0 14.9 79.3
2005 1714 119.6 14.3 79.8
2006 2010 127.8 15.7 81.9
2007 2206 138.8 15.9 77.5
2008 2377 151.0 15.7 72.2
2009 2516 159.3 15.8 76.5
2010 2634 161.2 16.3 79.1
2011 2684 170.4 15.7 82
2012 2783 165.2 16.8 80.8
2013 2901 172.3 16.8 78.8
2014 3059 173.8 17.5 78.6
2015 3219 179.0 17.9 79.2
2016 3299 184.0 17.9 85.1
2017 3274 187.0 17.5 85.1
2018 3262 189.8 17.1 85.8
2019 3214 193.9 16.5 85.5
2020 3184 189.9 16.7 83.7
2021 3254 196.4 16.5 85.6
2022 3175 192.1 16.5 86.2
2023 3243 192.4 16.8 85.1
2024 3252 189.5 17.1 84.8

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 United South High School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $609 (6.2%) $9,196 (93.8%) $9,805
2020 $636 (6.6%) $9,003 (93.4%) $9,640
2021 $1,408 (14.5%) $8,326 (85.5%) $9,734

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

Impact of COVID-19 on United South 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 1193rd of 1857 High schoolsRanks 1258th of 1961 High schools
 0.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (United South High School)8246
 36%
   End of Course Algebra I (United Independent School District (Isd))8360
 23%
   End of Course Algebra I (Texas)6245
 17%
End of Course Biology (United South High School)5244
 8%
   End of Course Biology (United Independent School District (Isd))5655
 1%
   End of Course Biology (Texas)6357
 6%
End of Course English I Reading (United South High School)3547
 12%
   End of Course English I Reading (United Independent School District (Isd))4255
 13%
   End of Course English I Reading (Texas)4954
 5%
End of Course English II Reading (United South High School)3249
 17%
   End of Course English II Reading (United Independent School District (Isd))3854
 16%
   End of Course English II Reading (Texas)5156
 5%
End of Course U.S. History (United South High School)6061
 1%
   End of Course U.S. History (United Independent School District (Isd))6366
 3%
   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 Students32143243
 0.9%
African American34
 33.3%
American Indian00
Asian37
 133.3%
Hispanic32043227
 0.7%
Pacific Islander00
White43
 25%
Two or More Races02
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients85.5%85.1%
 0.3%


Schools Near United South High School









Frequently Asked Questions about United South High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 3,252 students attended United South High School.

Students at United South High School are 100% Hispanic.

United South High School ranks 1152nd of 1987 Texas high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.


Rate United South High School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for United South High School!




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.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 52 milliseconds.