Average
#6011 of 8,552 schools in TX
Merkel EL
Elementary School · MERKEL ISD
P O BOX 430, Merkel, TX 79536
Enrollment
589
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
589
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Texas schools
#6,011 of 8,552
In Merkel
#1 of 3
public schools
In district
#1 of 3
MERKEL ISD
Shortlisting around Merkel EL?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
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Merkel EL
Elementary School in Merkel · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Merkel Middle
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Merkel H S
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Merkel EL
Merkel EL is a public elementary school in Merkel, TX, part of MERKEL ISD. Merkel EL serves approximately 589 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Merkel EL has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #6,011 of 8,552 schools in TX.
Structured state assessment records for Merkel EL show 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.3 · Average
- TX avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Merkel EL 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Merkel EL — Students at Merkel EL score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
56%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX STAAR (2023-24)
Based on 22 test records from TX state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 4.9/10.
How Merkel EL Compares
See how Merkel EL performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
P O BOX 430, Merkel, TX 79536
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Merkel EL may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ST JOHNS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Abilene), which scores notably higher. Another option is CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 6.0/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Abilene), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, AUSTIN EL (rated 5.5/10, 14.7 miles away, in nearby Abilene), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Merkel, see our Merkel schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MERKEL MIDDLE Merkel | 0.1 mi | 4.9 |
| MERKEL H S Merkel | 0.4 mi | 5.1 |
| TRENT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Trent | 6.9 mi | 6.4 |
| DYESS EL Abilene | 12.4 mi | 5.3 |
| CLACK MIDDLE Abilene | 13.3 mi | 3.9 |
| BASSETTI EL Abilene | 13.5 mi | 5.3 |
| ST JOHNS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Abilene | 13.5 mi | 7.1 |
| STAFFORD EL Abilene | 14.0 mi | 5.4 |
| BONHAM EL Abilene | 14.2 mi | 4.6 |
| HAWLEY H S Hawley | 15.4 mi | 6.8 |
| HAWLEY MIDDLE Hawley | 15.5 mi | 4.9 |
| AUSTIN EL Abilene | 14.7 mi | 5.5 |
| HAWLEY EL Hawley | 15.6 mi | 4.5 |
| PURCELL EL Abilene | 14.6 mi | 3.0 |
| LONG EARLY LEARNING CENTER Abilene | 14.7 mi | 3.7 |
| WYLIE H S Abilene | 15.2 mi | 6.8 |
| MANN MIDDLE Abilene | 15.0 mi | 3.6 |
| WARD EL Abilene | 15.2 mi | 5.5 |
| CROCKETT EARLY HEADSTART Abilene | 15.1 mi | 3.3 |
| CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Abilene | 15.3 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 79536 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,346
Median Home Value
$133,300
Median Rent
$1,187/mo
Population
6,080
College Educated
14.2%
Homeownership
80.1%
Avg Commute
29.3 min
Poverty Rate
15.5%
Median Age
31.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ALVIS C STORY EL Allen, TX | 5.3 |
| ALYSSA FERGUSON EL Missouri City, TX | 5.3 |
| ANDERSON EL Arlington, TX | 5.3 |
| BASIS SAN ANTONIO PRI - JACK LEWIS JR CAMPUS San Antonio, TX | 5.3 |
| BASSETTI EL Abilene, TX | 5.3 |
| BAYSHORE EL La Porte, TX | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Merkel EL
What grades does Merkel EL serve?
Merkel EL serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Merkel EL?
Merkel EL has an enrollment of approximately 589 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Merkel EL?
The student-teacher ratio at Merkel EL is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Merkel EL rank in TX?
Merkel EL ranks #6,011 of 8,552 schools in TX.
What is Merkel EL's MySchoolScout rating?
Merkel EL has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 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 Merkel EL?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Merkel EL has 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Merkel EL a charter school?
No, Merkel EL is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Merkel EL a Title I school?
No, Merkel EL is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Merkel EL?
56.0% of students at Merkel EL qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 589
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 39
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 56.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Taylor County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.3%
- Phone
- (325) 928-4795
Resources & Links
District
MERKEL ISD- District Enrollment
- 1,127
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,577
- District Rank
- #1 of 3
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
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