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Very Good

#2411 of 8,552 schools in TX

Top 28% in state

Ponder H S

High School · PONDER ISD

400 W BAILEY ST, Ponder, TX 76259

Enrollment

536

Student-Teacher

12.8:1

Score

7.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Texas schools

#2,411 of 8,552

In Ponder

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

PONDER ISD

Academic performance

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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Ponder H S

7.5/10

High School in Ponder · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Ponder J H

7.3/10

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

Ponder EL

5.0/10

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

About Ponder H S

Ponder H S is a public high school in Ponder, TX, part of PONDER ISD. Ponder H S serves approximately 536 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Ponder H S has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,411 of 8,552 schools in TX.

Structured state assessment records for Ponder H S show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.2 pts above TX schools
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • TX avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Ponder 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.2Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.8 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.8Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency57% (2024 STAAR)
Reading/ELA Proficiency74% (2024 STAAR)
Math vs. State Avg+13.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+19.7 pts
Overall Proficiency66% (2024 STAAR, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)57% (model expectation from 2024 STAAR)
vs. Expected+8.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile81th
College Readiness5.4Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation2.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,102
Chronic Absenteeism13.8%

Ponder H S — Students at Ponder H S score 66% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

38.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TX STAAR (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 66.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
43.6% (2024 STAAR)
ELA Proficiency 74.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
54.3% (2024 STAAR)

Based on 28 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
77%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
84%
ELA
86%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
81%
2015
Math
87%
ELA
78%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2024
Math
57%
ELA
74%

* 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: 8.2/10.

How Ponder H S Compares

See how Ponder H S performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.5/10
72th percentile in TX
Academic
8.8/10
Excellent
Growth
8.2/10
Excellent
Environment
8.2/10
Excellent
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.4
Sports
16
8 boys' · 8 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.8%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
2.1% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics16sports offered
8 boys'·8 girls'·30 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

400 W BAILEY ST, Ponder, TX 76259

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ponder H S may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ARGYLE H S (rated 8.3/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Flower Mound), which scores slightly higher. Another option is DENTON H S (rated 6.8/10, 8.5 miles away, in nearby Denton), with a comparable rating. Additionally, KRUM H S (rated 6.6/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Krum), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Ponder, see our Ponder schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.1 mi
School Distance Rating
PONDER J H Ponder 0.1 mi 7.3
PONDER EL Ponder 0.2 mi 5.0
LANCE THOMPSON EL Argyle 5.8 mi 8.6
ARGYLE WEST Argyle 6.0 mi 9.0
DYER EL Krum 6.2 mi 5.8
KRUM MIDDLE Krum 6.3 mi 5.3
BLANCHE DODD EL Krum 6.4 mi 6.5
KRUM H S Krum 6.6 mi 6.6
JUSTIN EL Justin 7.3 mi 6.2
KRUM EARLY EDUCATION CENTER Krum 6.8 mi 5.3
ARGYLE 6TH GRADE CENTER Argyle 7.3 mi 7.5
NORTH TEXAS COLLEGIATE ACADEMY-NORTH CAMPUS Denton 7.5 mi 7.3
HILLTOP EL Argyle 7.7 mi 8.4
ARGYLE SOUTH EL Flower Mound 8.6 mi 8.1
ARGYLE MIDDLE Argyle 8.2 mi 8.1
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Denton 8.3 mi 7.0
ARGYLE H S Flower Mound 9.1 mi 8.3
DENTON H S Denton 8.5 mi 6.8
KI CHARTER - DENTON Denton 8.4 mi
LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Argyle 9.1 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 76259 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$94,433

Median Home Value

$356,600

Median Rent

$1,387/mo

Population

5,628

College Educated

30%

Homeownership

78%

Avg Commute

31.2 min

Poverty Rate

5.8%

Median Age

37.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BISHOP DUNNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Dallas, TX 7.5
FALFURRIAS H S Falfurrias, TX 7.5
GLEN ROSE H S Glen Rose, TX 7.5
LA GRANGE H S La Grange, TX 7.5
LEXINGTON H S Lexington, TX 7.5
ODESSA CAREER AND TECHNICAL EARLY COLLEGE H S Odessa, TX 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ponder H S

What grades does Ponder H S serve?

Ponder H S serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Ponder H S?

Ponder H S has an enrollment of approximately 536 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ponder H S?

The student-teacher ratio at Ponder H S is 12.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ponder H S rank in TX?

Ponder H S ranks #2,411 of 8,552 schools in TX.

What is Ponder H S's MySchoolScout rating?

Ponder H S has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 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 Ponder H S?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ponder H S has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Ponder H S a charter school?

No, Ponder H S is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Ponder H S a Title I school?

No, Ponder H S is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ponder H S?

38.6% of students at Ponder 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
24 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
536
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
38.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Denton County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.8%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

PONDER ISD
District Enrollment
1,677
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,102
District Rank
#1 of 3

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