Average
#6293 of 8,552 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
5.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
295
Student-Teacher
8.7:1
Score
5.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Texas schools
#6,293 of 8,552
In Merkel
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#2 of 3
MERKEL ISD
Shortlisting around Merkel H S?
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Merkel H S
High School in Merkel · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Merkel EL
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Merkel Middle
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Merkel H S
Merkel H S is a public high school in Merkel, TX, part of MERKEL ISD. Merkel H S serves approximately 295 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 8.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Merkel H S has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #6,293 of 8,552 schools in TX.
Structured state assessment records for Merkel H S show 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.1 · Average
- TX avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
At 8.7:1 students to teachers, Merkel H S sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.
Merkel H S 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.
32% of students at Merkel H S were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Merkel H S — Students at Merkel H S score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX STAAR (2023-24)
Based on 28 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: 3.7/10.
How Merkel H S Compares
See how Merkel H S 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 H S may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HAWLEY H S (rated 6.8/10, 15.8 miles away, in nearby Hawley), which scores notably higher. Additionally, WYLIE H S (rated 6.8/10, 15.4 miles away, in nearby Abilene), which scores notably higher. 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 | 5.3 |
| MERKEL MIDDLE Merkel | 0.5 mi | 4.9 |
| TRENT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Trent | 6.6 mi | 6.4 |
| DYESS EL Abilene | 12.7 mi | 5.3 |
| CLACK MIDDLE Abilene | 13.6 mi | 3.9 |
| BASSETTI EL Abilene | 13.8 mi | 5.3 |
| ST JOHNS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Abilene | 13.8 mi | 7.1 |
| STAFFORD EL Abilene | 14.3 mi | 5.4 |
| BONHAM EL Abilene | 14.5 mi | 4.6 |
| HAWLEY H S Hawley | 15.8 mi | 6.8 |
| HAWLEY MIDDLE Hawley | 15.8 mi | 4.9 |
| AUSTIN EL Abilene | 15.0 mi | 5.5 |
| PURCELL EL Abilene | 15.0 mi | 3.0 |
| HAWLEY EL Hawley | 16.0 mi | 4.5 |
| WYLIE H S Abilene | 15.4 mi | 6.8 |
| LONG EARLY LEARNING CENTER Abilene | 15.1 mi | 3.7 |
| WARD EL Abilene | 15.5 mi | 5.5 |
| MANN MIDDLE Abilene | 15.3 mi | 3.6 |
| CROCKETT EARLY HEADSTART Abilene | 15.4 mi | 3.3 |
| 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BLOOMINGTON H S Bloomington, TX | 5.1 |
| DALLAS COUNTY JUVENILE JUSTICE Dallas, TX | 5.1 |
| FLORENCE H S Florence, TX | 5.1 |
| MONTE ALTO H S Monte Alto, TX | 5.1 |
| EVOLUTION ACADEMY BEAUMONT Richardson, TX | 5.0 |
| TORNILLO H S Tornillo, TX | 5.0 |
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 ranks #6,293 of 8,552 schools in TX.
What is Merkel H S's MySchoolScout rating?
Merkel H S has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 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 H S?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Merkel H S has 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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.
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Neighborhood Context
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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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 32.2%
- Phone
- (325) 928-4667
- 4-Year Graduation
- 95%+
Resources & Links
District
MERKEL ISD- District Enrollment
- 1,127
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,577
- District Rank
- #2 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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