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Average

#4556 of 8,552 schools in TX

Gholson ISD

School · GHOLSON ISD

137 HAMILTON DR, Waco, TX 76705

Enrollment

269

Student-Teacher

11.7:1

Score

6.2

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Waco

#10 of 46

public schools

Texas schools

#219 of 478

School environment

8.3 / 10

Very strong

About Gholson ISD

Gholson ISD serves 269 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in this close-knit district near Waco, Texas. With 23 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an excellent student-teacher ratio of 11.7:1, allowing for personalized attention and strong relationships between educators and students. The district has earned recognition for its academic performance, receiving a 7.3 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking #593 out of 8,598 schools statewide, placing it in the 93rd percentile among Texas schools.

This impressive ranking reflects the school's commitment to educational excellence despite its smaller size. As a complete PK-12 district, Gholson ISD offers families the continuity of having their children progress through all grade levels within the same educational community. The small enrollment allows teachers and staff to know each student individually, fostering a supportive environment where students can develop both academically and personally.

The school draws from a diverse community in McLennan County, where the median household income is $51,546 and median home values average $152,000. About 16% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 21.4%. Gholson ISD is situated in a rural setting near town, providing students with a peaceful learning environment while maintaining access to nearby urban resources and opportunities.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Gholson ISD may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.1Fair25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-4.63 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26%
Reading/ELA Proficiency55%
Math vs. State Avg-17.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+0.7 pts
Overall Proficiency41%
Expected (poverty-adj.)43%
vs. Expected-2.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
College Readiness7.9Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate75%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.3Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,536
Chronic Absenteeism18.2%

Gholson ISD — Students at Gholson ISD score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

74.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TX STAAR (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 60.9%
School
State
43.6%
ELA Proficiency 59.9%
School
State
54.3%

Based on 30 test records from TX state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2010
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
77%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
32%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
31%
ELA
36.8%
2024
Math
26%
ELA
55%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.1/10.

How Gholson ISD Compares

See how Gholson ISD performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
47th percentile in TX
Academic
5.7/10
5.7/10
Growth
3.1/10
Below average
Environment
8.3/10
Above average
Sports
9
4 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
74%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year
18.2%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics9sports offered
4 boys'·5 girls'·11 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2020-21
Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2020-21
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

137 HAMILTON DR, Waco, TX 76705

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gholson ISD may also want to explore other schools in the area. AQUILLA SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Aquilla), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PARKVIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 4.9/10, 9.0 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Waco, see our Waco schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.6 mi
School Distance Rating
CHINA SPRING EL China Spring 5.3 mi 7.1
CHINA SPRING INT China Spring 6.3 mi 6.8
CHINA SPRING PRI China Spring 6.3 mi 5.8
TAG China Spring 6.3 mi
CHINA SPRING MIDDLE China Spring 6.6 mi 7.1
CHINA SPRING H S China Spring 6.7 mi 7.6
BOSQUEVILLE EL Waco 6.9 mi 7.1
BOSQUEVILLE H S Waco 7.1 mi 9.5
BOSQUEVILLE MIDDLE Waco 7.1 mi 7.9
PREMIER H S OF WACO Lewisville 9.3 mi 4.4
PARKVIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Waco 9.0 mi 4.9
CONNALLY PRI Elm Mott 8.4 mi 3.0
CONNALLY J H Elm Mott 8.5 mi 3.8
AQUILLA SCHOOL Aquilla 9.6 mi 8.5
CEDAR RIDGE EL Waco 9.9 mi 4.2
CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL Waco 9.2 mi 5.0
WACO CTR FOR YOUTH Axtell 10.1 mi 5.5
CONNALLY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Waco 9.4 mi 6.0
CONNALLY EL Waco 9.4 mi 3.7
BRAZOS H S Waco 10.6 mi 4.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 76705 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$54,881

Median Home Value

$167,000

Median Rent

$941/mo

Population

31,750

College Educated

16.8%

Homeownership

61.5%

Avg Commute

25.1 min

Poverty Rate

19.7%

Median Age

35

Community Profile

The community surrounding Gholson ISD has a median household income of $54,881. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $167,000, with a median rent of $941/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.7%. The average commute for residents is 25 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE CLASSICAL SCHOOL Longview, TX 6.2
CROSBYTON CISD PRE K-12 Crosbyton, TX 6.2
EL PASO CLASSICAL ACADEMY Lewisville, TX 6.2
HARVEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Keller, TX 6.2
TEXOMA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sherman, TX 6.2
VALOR PREPARATORY ACADEMY Waco, TX 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gholson ISD

What grades does Gholson ISD serve?

Gholson ISD serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Gholson ISD?

Gholson ISD has an enrollment of approximately 269 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gholson ISD?

The student-teacher ratio at Gholson ISD is 11.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gholson ISD rank in TX?

Gholson ISD is ranked #4556 out of 8,552 schools in TX.

What is Gholson ISD's MySchoolScout rating?

Gholson ISD has a composite rating of 6.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Gholson ISD?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Gholson ISD has 60.9% math proficiency and 59.9% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Gholson ISD a charter school?

No, Gholson ISD is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Gholson ISD a Title I school?

No, Gholson ISD is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gholson ISD?

74.3% of students at Gholson ISD qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
269
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
74.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
McLennan County
Chronic Absenteeism
18.2%
4-Year Graduation
75.0%
Data Year
2023–2024

District

GHOLSON ISD
District Enrollment
270
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,536
District Rank
#1 of 1

Other Schools in This District

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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