Austin, Texas, August 18, 2025
News Summary
The Texas Education Agency has released its school report cards for districts and campuses throughout Texas. Approximately 24% of districts improved their ratings, while many retained their scores and some saw declines. The report includes previously withheld data from the previous academic year. Schools are evaluated using an A-F grading system based on performance metrics. The Austin Independent School District received a C rating, while certain middle schools faced failing marks. A turnaround plan has been approved for improvement, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding underperforming schools.
Austin, Texas — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has unveiled its school report cards for the academic year 2024-2025, which assess over 1,000 districts and more than 9,000 campuses across Texas. This year, about 24% of districts have improved their grades compared to the previous year, while the majority of schools retained their ratings and 15% saw their scores decline. The latest report includes previously withheld scores from the 2023-2024 academic year due to ongoing legal disputes lasting nearly two years.
The schools are evaluated using an A-F scale, which considers performance indicators like student achievement, school progress, and efforts to close educational gaps. An “A” rating indicates scores ranging from 90-100, while an “F” represents scores below 60.
Among the districts, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) received a C rating, scoring 79 out of 100 overall. The specific scores for AISD include 79 for student achievement, 75 for school progress, and 78 for closing educational gaps. Despite this overall rating, some AISD schools such as Dobie, Burnet, and Webb middle schools fell short, earning F scores of 59 and 54 respectively.
These F-rated schools had previously faced challenges, including the threat of closure due to consistently low performance ratings. Recognizing this, a turnaround plan has been approved recently to boost improvement chances for these campuses. As part of the accountability measures, AISD staff at these failing schools were required to reapply for their positions.
Looking ahead, should academic performance in reading and math not improve by mid-2026, the district may put contingency plans into action to address the ongoing challenges in these facilities. The current report’s release comes in the wake of a court ruling which permitted the publication of the delayed ratings from the 2024 school year alongside those for 2025. This initiative is intended to enhance transparency regarding school performance, enabling families to make well-informed decisions about their educational institutions.
The A-F accountability system was instituted by Texas lawmakers in 2017 to provide straightforward metrics for evaluating school performance. Central Texas has experienced a significant increase in F-rated schools, with a rise of 233% compared to earlier years. This alarming trend underscores the necessity for heightened attention to educational effectiveness and performance enhancement measures.
School Performance Snapshot
| School District | Overall Rating | Student Achievement Score | School Progress Score | Closing Gaps Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Independent School District | C (79) | 79 | 75 | 78 |
| Dobie Middle School | F (59) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Burnet Middle School | F (Unknown) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Webb Middle School | F (54) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Conclusion
The TEA’s release of the 2024-2025 school ratings is a critical development for evaluating educational effectiveness in Texas. With ongoing legal challenges resolved, stakeholders look forward to addressing the challenges posed by lower-performing schools and enhancing academic results across the state.
FAQ Section
What does the A-F rating system signify?
The A-F rating system evaluates schools in Texas based on several performance indicators. An “A” indicates excellent performance, with scores between 90-100, while an “F” denotes insufficient performance, scores below 60.
When were the ratings for the 2024-2025 academic year released?
The Texas Education Agency released these ratings on a specified date in the fall of 2023.
How many districts improved their ratings compared to last year?
A total of 24% of districts improved their grades compared to the previous year.
What could happen if AISD’s failing schools do not improve?
If there are no improvements in reading and math by mid-2026, AISD may implement contingency plans to address ongoing underperformance.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: TEA Rankings for Austin ISD
- KTBS: TEA Releases A-F School Ratings
- KWTX: TEA 2025 A-F Accountability Ratings
- Fox 7 Austin: Texas School Ratings
- Wikipedia: Texas Education Agency
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
