The breakdown
Ratings are calculated based on TEA standards for three performance categories—student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps, which measures how school districts tackle performance disparities among varying student groups.
The district receives both an overall score and individual score for the performance categories. With HCISD 2024-25 score of 80, the district dropped one point in their numerical grade compared to the 2023-24 score of 81.
At the campus level, HCISD had mixed gains, losses and stagnations.
For example, Camino Real Elementary School, Buda Elementary School and others improved their 2022-23 scores. Schools including Kyle and Negley elementaries, and Chapa and McCormick middle schools saw a drop in scores.
Most schools stand in the B or C range, but the following schools received an A score:
- Elm Grove Elementary
- Carpenter Hill Elementary
- Cullen Elementary
- Barton Middle School
Improving these scores can help school districts avoid state takeovers, which can stem from campuses scoring failing grades for five consecutive years. Districts and campuses that received a D or F rating in 2024 or 2025 may receive extra resources and support from the state, according to the TEA website.
HCISD Communications Director Tim Savoy said the district does not have a statement regarding the results.
Zooming out
While the 2024-25 ratings were released on time, ratings for the 2023-24 school year were held up in a legal battle between the TEA and over 33 school districts statewide, including SMCISD’s neighboring district, Hays CISD.
The districts challenged the TEA due to concerns that it was “mathematically impossible” for districts to receive an A rating, as the scoring system raised the metrics required to earn that score.
The ratings from the 2022-23 school year had also faced legal battle, citing similar concerns over fair grading and transparency.
Those ratings were released in April, marking the first time schools had received complete ratings since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lawsuits.
An estimated 31% of 9,084 districts across Texas received higher grades in 2025. Around 55% of districts received the same grade, while 15% received lower scores.
Read about the state breakdown here. Learn more about how Texas lawmakers are working to make it harder for districts to sue the TEA for accountability ratings here.
Learn more
View the state TEA accountability ratings here, and district and campus breakdowns here. For more information about TEA A-F ratings, visit the agency’s website at www.tea.texas.gov.
Hannah Norton and Chloe Young contributed to this article.
