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Very Good

#1187 of 8,547 schools in TX

Top 14% in state

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School

High School · RAVEN SCHOOL

143 FOREST SERVICE RD 233, New Waverly, TX 77358

Charter

Enrollment

36

Student-Teacher

5.1:1

Score

7.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In New Waverly

#2 of 5

public schools

Texas high schools

#256 of 1,699

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Thomas Buzbee Vocational School

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School serves 36 students in grades 9-12 as an alternative charter high school in New Waverly, Texas. This specialized institution maintains an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 5.1:1 with seven full-time equivalent teachers, allowing for highly individualized attention and instruction tailored to each student's needs. The school has achieved remarkable recognition, ranking #17 out of 8,598 schools statewide and earning a strong MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10.

This outstanding performance places Thomas Buzbee Vocational School in the 100th percentile among Texas schools, demonstrating its effectiveness in serving students through its alternative educational approach. As a vocational-focused institution, the school likely emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation, helping students develop practical skills alongside their academic studies. The small enrollment creates an intimate learning environment where students can receive personalized support and guidance.

Located at 143 Forest Service Road 233, the school serves the New Waverly community in Walker County, where the median household income is $71,966 and the poverty rate stands at 11%. The surrounding area is home to approximately 5,013 residents, with 12% holding bachelor's degrees or higher. Thomas Buzbee Vocational School operates in a rural setting near town, providing students with a focused educational environment away from urban distractions.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 36 students, Thomas Buzbee Vocational School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 5.1:1, Thomas Buzbee Vocational School 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.

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress10.0Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+10 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendImproving
Academics5.6Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25%
Reading/ELA Proficiency25%
Overall Proficiency25%
Expected (poverty-adj.)24%
vs. Expected+0.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile38th
College Readiness6.6Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment10.0Exceptional20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio5.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$38,414

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School — Students at Thomas Buzbee Vocational School score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

91.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TX EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 13.8%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 16.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from TX state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
2.5%
ELA
7.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%

* 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: 10.0/10.

How Thomas Buzbee Vocational School Compares

See how Thomas Buzbee Vocational School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.9/10
86th percentile in TX
Academic
5.6/10
5.6/10
Growth
10.0/10
Above average
Environment
10.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
5:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers

Location

143 FOREST SERVICE RD 233, New Waverly, TX 77358

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Thomas Buzbee Vocational School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. NEW WAVERLY H S (rated 6.4/10, 4.4 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, WILLIS H S (rated 5.0/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Willis), a more accessible option. For more schools in New Waverly, see our New Waverly schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.5 mi
School Distance Rating
NEW WAVERLY EL New Waverly 4.2 mi 9.1
NEW WAVERLY H S New Waverly 4.4 mi 6.4
NEW WAVERLY INT New Waverly 4.4 mi 7.4
NEW WAVERLY J H New Waverly 4.7 mi 5.9
LYNN LUCAS MIDDLE Willis 8.5 mi 5.3
C C HARDY EL Willis 8.7 mi 6.3
ROARK EARLY EDUCATION CENTER Willis 8.7 mi 5.3
STUBBLEFIELD ACADEMY Willis 8.9 mi
PARMLEY EL Willis 8.9 mi 7.5
IGNITE COMMUNITY SCHOOL - HUNTSVILLE Lewisville 10.1 mi 7.1
EDWARD B CANNAN EL Willis 9.8 mi 5.6
STEWART EL Huntsville 10.5 mi 5.1
MADELEY RANCH EL Montgomery 10.5 mi 7.7
TRINITY CHARTER SCHOOLS - WILLIS CAMPUS Austin 10.3 mi
W LLOYD MEADOR EL Willis 10.8 mi 6.7
TOMORROW'S PROMISE Huntsville 11.0 mi
ROBERT P BRABHAM MIDDLE Willis 10.8 mi 4.2
TURNER EL Willis 11.1 mi 6.9
WILLIS H S Willis 11.3 mi 5.0
ALPHA OMEGA ACADEMY Huntsville 11.5 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 77358 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,018

Median Home Value

$219,000

Median Rent

$987/mo

Population

5,565

College Educated

18.9%

Homeownership

75.8%

Avg Commute

34.2 min

Poverty Rate

10.6%

Median Age

41.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Thomas Buzbee Vocational School has a median household income of $79,018. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $219,000, with a median rent of $987/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.6%. The average commute for residents is 34 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
CHAVEZ EXCEL ACADEMY San Antonio, TX 8.0
FUSION ACADEMY SUG: SUGAR LAND Sugar Land, TX 8.1
REACH H S Fort Worth, TX 7.6
DEVEREUX SCHOOL League City, TX 8.3
INSTR/GUID CENTER Mcallen, TX 7.5
HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Midland, TX 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thomas Buzbee Vocational School

What grades does Thomas Buzbee Vocational School serve?

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Thomas Buzbee Vocational School?

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School has an enrollment of approximately 36 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Thomas Buzbee Vocational School?

The student-teacher ratio at Thomas Buzbee Vocational School is 5.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Thomas Buzbee Vocational School rank in TX?

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School is ranked #1187 out of 8,547 schools in TX.

What is Thomas Buzbee Vocational School's MySchoolScout rating?

Thomas Buzbee Vocational School has a composite rating of 7.9 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 Thomas Buzbee Vocational School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Thomas Buzbee Vocational School has 13.8% math proficiency and 16.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Thomas Buzbee Vocational School a charter school?

Yes, Thomas Buzbee Vocational School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Thomas Buzbee Vocational School a Title I school?

No, Thomas Buzbee Vocational School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Thomas Buzbee Vocational School?

91.7% of students at Thomas Buzbee Vocational School 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
23 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Average (331/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
36
Student-Teacher Ratio
5.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
7
Free/Reduced Lunch
91.7%
Type
alternative
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Walker County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

RAVEN SCHOOL
District Enrollment
36
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$25,589
District Rank
#1 of 1

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 methodology

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