Texas Releases New Accountability Scores
Corpus Christi schools rise as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its long-awaited A–F accountability ratings for public and charter schools across the state on August 15. The ratings cover both the 2023–24 and 2024–25 school years, following earlier delays caused by lawsuits challenging the accountability system.
The newly published scores show encouraging results for Greater Corpus Christi and the wider Coastal Bend, where most schools either maintained or improved their grades. Statewide, just 15% of campuses declined, according to the TEA.
Understanding the Ratings System
Parents and the public can view results online at txschools.gov, which breaks down each school’s demographic and performance data into three categories:
- Student Achievement – test scores, graduation rates, and college or career readiness.
- School Progress – growth over time and comparisons to similar districts.
- Closing the Gaps – performance across all student groups to measure equity.
The ratings rely heavily on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), which students begin taking in third grade.
Corpus Christi ISD Shows Progress
Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) posted its strongest results in years. For 2024–25, the district earned:
- C in Student Achievement
- Low B in Closing the Gaps
- Low B in School Progress
Together, those scores translated to an overall B rating of 81 out of 100. As a result, Superintendent Roland Hernandez praised teachers, staff, and parents for their support:
“The work of our school staff, combined with exemplary support at the district level as well as our implementation of restrictions on cellphone use last year, clearly made a difference for our students.”
Furthermore, no CCISD schools received an F rating in 2024–25, marking a significant improvement from prior years when multiple campuses struggled.
Schools That Improved Dramatically
Some schools made particularly notable gains:
- Driscoll Middle School – Rose from consecutive F ratings to a passing C (73) in 2024–25.
- Martin Middle School – Improved steadily, from 51 to 64 over three years.
- Shaw Elementary – Rebounded after a dip, climbing from 55 to 74.
- Yeager Elementary – Soared from 53 to 86, jumping three letter grades.
Meanwhile, high-performing campuses such as Collegiate High School and Branch Academy maintained their A-level scores in the high 90s.
However, four CCISD campuses saw slight drops, including Club Estates Elementary and Coles High School. Still, the district counted 26 schools that moved up at least one letter grade, with Yeager leading the way in overall improvement.
Coastal Bend Districts See Mixed Outcomes
Beyond Corpus Christi ISD, other local school districts also reported progress:
- Calallen ISD & Flour Bluff ISD – All campuses posted gains.
- West Oso ISD – Improved from 69 to 75 overall, though its junior high dipped to 59.
- Tuloso-Midway ISD – Showed growth across nearly all traditional campuses.
Charter schools in the region displayed more varied results.
Top and Bottom Performers in the Region
Across Nueces, San Patricio, Aransas, and Kleberg counties, most districts earned higher scores compared to the prior year.
- Santa Gertrudis ISD (Kleberg County) and Bishop CISD (Nueces County) both secured A ratings.
- Kingsville ISD received the region’s only F rating, after briefly climbing to a D in 2023–24.
- Jubilee Kingsville Charter improved from an F to a D in 2024–25.
- Taft, Aransas Pass, and Robstown ISDs all earned 68s, improving from prior years.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Corpus Christi schools rise as district leaders credit the results to hard work, improved staffing, and expanded support at struggling campuses. In addition, Deputy Superintendent Sandra Clement emphasized that certified teachers and targeted intervention programs made a meaningful impact.
Moreover, as Hernandez emphasized during the district’s convocation ceremony:
“Public schools welcome every student, and last year we unquestionably demonstrated that, working together, we help our students succeed.”
Consequently, with rising scores across much of the region, educators and families enter the new school year with renewed confidence in their ability to help students thrive.