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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

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Texas schools

#4,556 of 8,552

In Waco

#10 of 46

public schools

School environment

8.3 / 10

Excellent

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Gholson ISD

6.2/10

School in Waco · grades Pre-K – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

China Spring EL

7.2/10

5.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

China Spring Int

7.0/10

6.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Gholson ISD

Gholson ISD is a public school in Waco, TX, part of GHOLSON ISD. Gholson ISD serves approximately 269 students, and covers grades Pre-K-12th, and has a 11.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Gholson ISD has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #4,556 of 8,552 schools in TX.

Structured state assessment records for Gholson ISD show 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with TX schools
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • TX avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Gholson ISD sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.1Needs Improvement25%
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% (2024 STAAR)
Reading/ELA Proficiency55% (2024 STAAR)
Math vs. State Avg-17.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+0.7 pts
Overall Proficiency41% (2024 STAAR, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)43% (model expectation from 2024 STAAR)
vs. Expected-2.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
College Readiness7.8Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate50%+
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 Absenteeism20.1%

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% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
43.6% (2024 STAAR)
ELA Proficiency 59.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
54.3% (2024 STAAR)

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
Average
Growth
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.3/10
Excellent
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 (SY 2022-23)
20.1%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics9sports offered
4 boys'·5 girls'·11 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · 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 7.2
CHINA SPRING INT China Spring 6.3 mi 7.0
CHINA SPRING PRI China Spring 6.3 mi 5.9
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 7.5
BOSQUEVILLE EL Waco 6.9 mi 7.1
BOSQUEVILLE H S Waco 7.1 mi 9.5
BOSQUEVILLE MIDDLE Waco 7.1 mi 7.6
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 3.9
AQUILLA SCHOOL Aquilla 9.6 mi 8.5
CEDAR RIDGE EL Waco 9.9 mi 4.1
CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL Waco 9.2 mi 4.9
WACO CTR FOR YOUTH Axtell 10.1 mi 5.4
CONNALLY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Waco 9.4 mi 6.1
CONNALLY EL Waco 9.4 mi 3.8
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

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
HARVEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Keller, TX 6.2
TEXOMA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sherman, TX 6.2
VALOR PREPARATORY ACADEMY Waco, TX 6.2
ATHENS CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY ACADEMY Athens, TX 6.3

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 ranks #4,556 of 8,552 schools in TX.

What is Gholson ISD's MySchoolScout rating?

Gholson ISD has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Gholson ISD?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gholson ISD has 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

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 →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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 (SY 2022-23)
20.1%
4-Year Graduation
50%+

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

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