Average
#5640 of 8,547 schools in TX
Merkel H S
High School · MERKEL ISD
P O BOX 430, Merkel, TX 79536
Enrollment
295
Student-Teacher
8.7:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
295
Student-Teacher
8.7:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Merkel
#3 of 3
public schools
Texas high schools
#1,339 of 1,699
In district
#3 of 3
MERKEL ISD
School environment
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Merkel H S
Merkel H S serves 295 students in grades 9-12 in this close-knit Taylor County community. With 34 full-time teachers, the school maintains an impressive 8.7:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention that larger schools often can't provide. This regular public high school has earned a solid 7.3 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranks in the 89th percentile statewide at #985 out of 8,598 Texas schools.
The school draws from a community where the median household income reaches $67,788, with affordable housing reflected in the median home value of $118,600. While only 13% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and 16% of families face economic challenges, Merkel H S appears to be making strong educational progress for its students given its high state ranking. The small enrollment creates opportunities for students to participate in multiple activities and receive individualized support from teachers and staff.
Students benefit from the advantages of a tight-knit school community where everyone knows each other. Merkel H S operates in a rural Texas setting where traditional values and community connections remain strong, providing students with a supportive environment as they prepare for their futures.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Merkel H S are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
With a student-teacher ratio of 8.7:1, Merkel H S offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Located in a rural area, Merkel H S 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 metricsView breakdown
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Merkel H S — Students at Merkel H S score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 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: 7.2/10.
How Merkel H S Compares
See how Merkel H S performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 22% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 37% (2021).
Location
P O BOX 430, Merkel, TX 79536
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Merkel H S may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HAWLEY H S (rated 6.0/10, 15.8 miles away, in nearby Hawley), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, WYLIE H S (rated 5.5/10, 15.4 miles away, in nearby Abilene), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Merkel, see our Merkel schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MERKEL EL Merkel | 0.4 mi | 8.2 |
| MERKEL MIDDLE Merkel | 0.5 mi | 7.1 |
| TRENT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Trent | 6.6 mi | 7.1 |
| DYESS EL Abilene | 12.7 mi | 7.7 |
| CLACK MIDDLE Abilene | 13.6 mi | 5.6 |
| BASSETTI EL Abilene | 13.8 mi | 7.3 |
| ST JOHNS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Abilene | 13.8 mi | 7.1 |
| STAFFORD EL Abilene | 14.3 mi | 6.9 |
| BONHAM EL Abilene | 14.5 mi | 7.1 |
| HAWLEY H S Hawley | 15.8 mi | 6.0 |
| HAWLEY MIDDLE Hawley | 15.8 mi | 5.7 |
| AUSTIN EL Abilene | 15.0 mi | 7.1 |
| PURCELL EL Abilene | 15.0 mi | 5.8 |
| HAWLEY EL Hawley | 16.0 mi | 6.8 |
| WYLIE H S Abilene | 15.4 mi | 5.5 |
| LONG EARLY LEARNING CENTER Abilene | 15.1 mi | 6.1 |
| WARD EL Abilene | 15.5 mi | 6.4 |
| MANN MIDDLE Abilene | 15.3 mi | 5.6 |
| CROCKETT EARLY HEADSTART Abilene | 15.4 mi | 5.3 |
| CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Abilene | 15.6 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Merkel H S has a median household income of $71,346. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $133,300, with a median rent of $1,187/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.5%. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| BRUCEVILLE-EDDY H S Eddy, TX | 5.6 |
| ISCHOOL HIGH AT THE WOODLANDS Lewisville, TX | 5.6 |
| SAN SABA H S San Saba, TX | 5.6 |
| TORNILLO H S Tornillo, TX | 5.6 |
| WINFREE ACADEMY NORTH RICHLAND HILLS Carrollton, TX | 5.6 |
| CENTRAL H S Pollok, TX | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Merkel H S
What grades does Merkel H S serve?
Merkel H S serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Merkel H S?
Merkel H S has an enrollment of approximately 295 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Merkel H S?
The student-teacher ratio at Merkel H S is 8.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Merkel H S rank in TX?
Merkel H S is ranked #5640 out of 8,547 schools in TX.
What is Merkel H S's MySchoolScout rating?
Merkel H S has a composite rating of 5.6 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 Merkel H S?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Merkel H S has 27.0% math proficiency and 39.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Merkel H S a charter school?
No, Merkel H S is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Merkel H S a Title I school?
No, Merkel H S is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Merkel H S?
48.5% of students at Merkel H S qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (785/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Merkel). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 295
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 8.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Taylor County
- Phone
- (325) 928-4667
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
MERKEL ISD- District Enrollment
- 1,127
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,577
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
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 methodologyRelated reading
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