Average
#5173 of 8,552 schools in TX
Norman M Thomas EL
Elementary School · FREER ISD
P O BOX 240, Freer, TX 78357
Enrollment
355
Student-Teacher
16.9:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
355
Student-Teacher
16.9:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Texas schools
#5,173 of 8,552
In Freer
#3 of 3
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
FREER ISD
School environment
7.3 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Norman M Thomas EL?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Norman M Thomas EL
Elementary School in Freer · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Freer H S
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Lucy Aragon J H
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Norman M Thomas EL
Norman M Thomas EL is a public elementary school in Freer, TX, part of FREER ISD. Norman M Thomas EL serves approximately 355 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 16.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Norman M Thomas EL has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 and ranks #5,173 of 8,552 schools in TX.
Structured state assessment records for Norman M Thomas EL show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.8 · Average
- TX avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Test scores at Norman M Thomas EL sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
Norman M Thomas 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
Norman M Thomas EL — Students at Norman M Thomas EL score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
85.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX STAAR (2023-24)
Based on 30 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: 6.1/10.
How Norman M Thomas EL Compares
See how Norman M Thomas 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 240, Freer, TX 78357
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Norman M Thomas EL may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. COLLINS-PARR EL (rated 6.9/10, 24.5 miles away, in nearby San Diego), which scores notably higher. Another option is BENAVIDES EL (rated 5.4/10, 22.9 miles away, in nearby Benavides), with a comparable rating. Additionally, OILTON EL (rated 4.7/10, 35.5 miles away, in nearby Bruni), a more accessible option. For more schools in Freer, see our Freer schools guide .
Nearby Schools
14 within 44.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| FREER H S Freer | 0.2 mi | 8.0 |
| LUCY ARAGON J H Freer | 0.4 mi | 7.1 |
| BENAVIDES SECONDARY Benavides | 22.6 mi | 6.7 |
| BENAVIDES EL Benavides | 22.9 mi | 5.4 |
| BERNARDA JAIME J H San Diego | 24.2 mi | 6.5 |
| SAN DIEGO H S San Diego | 24.2 mi | 5.6 |
| COLLINS-PARR EL San Diego | 24.5 mi | 6.9 |
| BRUNI H S Bruni | 33.3 mi | 7.0 |
| JJAEP Bruni | 33.4 mi | — |
| BRUNI MIDDLE Bruni | 33.5 mi | 6.9 |
| OILTON EL Bruni | 35.5 mi | 4.7 |
| GEORGE WEST H S George West | 43.8 mi | 6.8 |
| GEORGE WEST EL George West | 43.9 mi | 8.3 |
| GEORGE WEST J H George West | 44.0 mi | 8.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 78357 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$60,968
Median Home Value
$115,400
Median Rent
$733/mo
Population
2,726
College Educated
11.3%
Homeownership
69%
Poverty Rate
13%
Median Age
37.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ALBERT & IOLA LEE DAVIS MALVERN EL Mckinney, TX | 5.8 |
| BANQUETE EL Banquete, TX | 5.8 |
| BEASLEY EL Mesquite, TX | 5.8 |
| CARVAJAL EL San Antonio, TX | 5.8 |
| CEDARS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Austin, TX | 5.8 |
| CHICO EL Chico, TX | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Norman M Thomas EL
What grades does Norman M Thomas EL serve?
Norman M Thomas EL serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Norman M Thomas EL?
Norman M Thomas EL has an enrollment of approximately 355 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Norman M Thomas EL?
The student-teacher ratio at Norman M Thomas EL is 16.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Norman M Thomas EL rank in TX?
Norman M Thomas EL ranks #5,173 of 8,552 schools in TX.
What is Norman M Thomas EL's MySchoolScout rating?
Norman M Thomas EL has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 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 Norman M Thomas EL?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Norman M Thomas EL has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Norman M Thomas EL a charter school?
No, Norman M Thomas EL is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Norman M Thomas EL a Title I school?
No, Norman M Thomas EL is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Norman M Thomas EL?
85.1% of students at Norman M Thomas 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 355
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 85.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Duval County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 24.8%
- Phone
- (361) 394-6025
Resources & Links
District
FREER ISD- District Enrollment
- 706
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,500
- District Rank
- #3 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.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in Texas 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Austin, TX — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Dallas, TX — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Fort Worth, TX — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.