Introduction to School Report Cards
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released its long-delayed A-F ratings for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. These ratings are used to measure the performance of over 9,000 campuses and 1,200 school districts across the state. Parents can now view their child’s school performance on the TXschools.gov website, which provides a comprehensive overview of each school’s achievements.
How the Ratings Work
The A-F ratings are based on three key factors: student achievement, academic growth, and readiness for college or careers. The website allows users to search for schools near their address and compare data points between different campuses. This information can be useful for parents who want to know how their child’s school is performing compared to others in the area.
Impact of School Ratings
The school accountability ratings can have a significant impact on the local community. Higher-rated schools can increase nearby property values and rents, as families seek to live closer to top-performing schools. On the other hand, lower-rated schools can have the opposite effect, leading to decreased property values and a less desirable living environment.
Understanding the Ratings
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath emphasizes that the campus report cards should not be seen as a judgment of individual students, but rather as a snapshot of a school’s ability to help students succeed. He notes that even at schools with lower ratings, there may be students who receive a great education, and conversely, even at high-performing schools, some students may not receive the support they need.
Recent Developments
The accountability ratings for 2023-24 were initially kept secret due to a court order, after a coalition of school districts sued the TEA, arguing that the new rating system was unfair. However, a state appeals court recently ruled that the ratings can be released. The new ratings for 2024-25 show some improvements, with Houston ISD receiving a B grade, up from a C grade in 2023-24.
School District Performance
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has seen an increase in the number of A-rated campuses, from 16 in 2024 to 22 in 2025. The district has also reduced the number of F-rated campuses from 29 in 2024 to 23 in 2025. While Commissioner Morath acknowledges that AISD still has a significant number of underperforming campuses, the district is proud of its progress and is committed to continuing to improve.
Conclusion
The release of the A-F ratings provides valuable information for parents and educators alike. While there is still room for improvement, the progress made by some school districts is a positive step forward. By understanding the ratings and how they are calculated, parents can make informed decisions about their child’s education and work with schools to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.
