Skip to main content

Very Good

#1700 of 8,552 schools in TX

Top 20% in state

Thomas J Rusk EL

Elementary School · NACOGDOCHES ISD

DRAWER 631521, Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Enrollment

466

Student-Teacher

12.3:1

Score

7.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Texas schools

#1,700 of 8,552

In Nacogdoches

#5 of 13

public schools

In district

#1 of 9

NACOGDOCHES ISD

Academic growth

9.2 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Thomas J Rusk 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.

Thomas J Rusk EL

7.9/10

Elementary School in Nacogdoches · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Christ Episcopal School

5.9/10

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

Brooks-quinn-jones EL

4.5/10

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

About Thomas J Rusk EL

Thomas J Rusk EL is a public elementary school in Nacogdoches, TX, part of NACOGDOCHES ISD. Thomas J Rusk EL serves approximately 466 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Thomas J Rusk EL has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,700 of 8,552 schools in TX.

Structured state assessment records for Thomas J Rusk EL show 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.5 pts above district
  • This school 7.9 · Very Good
  • District avg 5.4
  • TX avg 6.2

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.2Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.85 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28% (2024 STAAR)
Reading/ELA Proficiency43% (2024 STAAR)
Math vs. State Avg-15.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.3 pts
Overall Proficiency36% (2024 STAAR, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)37% (model expectation from 2024 STAAR)
vs. Expected-1.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
Resources & Environment8.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,528
Chronic Absenteeism15.2%

Thomas J Rusk EL — Students at Thomas J Rusk EL score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

88.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TX STAAR (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 49.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
43.6% (2024 STAAR)
ELA Proficiency 52.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
54.3% (2024 STAAR)

Based on 30 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
64%
ELA
66%
2010
Math
66%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
46%
ELA
52%
2013
Math
49%
ELA
59%
2014
Math
36%
ELA
53%
2015
Math
45%
ELA
50%
2016
Math
68%
ELA
58%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
36%
2018
Math
51%
ELA
45%
2019
Math
51%
ELA
45%
2020*
Math
37%
ELA
40%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
40%
2022
Math
42.2%
ELA
55%
2024
Math
28%
ELA
43%

* 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: 9.2/10.

How Thomas J Rusk EL Compares

See how Thomas J Rusk EL performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.9/10
80th percentile in TX
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
9.2/10
Excellent
Environment
8.6/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
89%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
15.2%

Programs & Offerings

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

DRAWER 631521, Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Thomas J Rusk EL may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. STEPHEN F AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY CHARTER SCHOOL (rated 8.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is CENTRAL HEIGHTS EL (rated 8.8/10, 7.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, RAGUET EL (rated 6.5/10, 1.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Nacogdoches, see our Nacogdoches schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.1 mi
School Distance Rating
CHRIST EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Nacogdoches 0.7 mi 5.9
BROOKS-QUINN-JONES EL Nacogdoches 0.9 mi 4.5
FREDONIA EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Nacogdoches 1.1 mi 4.7
STEPHEN F AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY CHARTER SCHOOL Nacogdoches 1.4 mi 8.8
RAGUET EL Nacogdoches 1.5 mi 6.5
MIKE MOSES EL Nacogdoches 1.4 mi 3.5
EMELINE CARPENTER EL Nacogdoches 2.2 mi 4.6
REGENTS ACADEMY Nacogdoches 2.3 mi 5.3
MCMICHAEL MIDDLE Nacogdoches 2.3 mi 4.8
NACOGDOCHES H S Nacogdoches 3.1 mi 4.7
NACOGDOCHES COUNTY DAEP COOP Garrison 3.8 mi
MARGIE CHUMBLEY ACADEMY FOR SUCCESS Nacogdoches 3.8 mi 6.2
CENTRAL HEIGHTS EL Nacogdoches 7.1 mi 8.8
CENTRAL HEIGHTS H S Nacogdoches 7.3 mi 9.2
CENTRAL HEIGHTS MIDDLE Nacogdoches 7.3 mi 9.1
WODEN EL Woden 10.1 mi 4.9
WODEN H S Woden 10.1 mi 8.8
WODEN J H Woden 10.1 mi 8.6
DOUGLASS SCHOOL Douglass 14.2 mi 8.4
MARTINSVILLE SCHOOL Martinsville 14.1 mi 7.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 75961 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$40,130

Median Home Value

$133,100

Median Rent

$974/mo

Population

14,875

College Educated

19.2%

Homeownership

46.9%

Avg Commute

20.9 min

Poverty Rate

27.1%

Median Age

32

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
A B DUNCAN COLLEGIATE EL Floydada, TX 7.9
BAYLESS EL Lubbock, TX 7.9
BELLS EL Bells, TX 7.9
BENIGNUS EL Klein, TX 7.9
BERTA S PALACIOS EL Pharr, TX 7.9
BONNER EL Tyler, TX 7.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thomas J Rusk EL

What grades does Thomas J Rusk EL serve?

Thomas J Rusk EL serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Thomas J Rusk EL?

Thomas J Rusk EL has an enrollment of approximately 466 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Thomas J Rusk EL?

The student-teacher ratio at Thomas J Rusk EL is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Thomas J Rusk EL rank in TX?

Thomas J Rusk EL ranks #1,700 of 8,552 schools in TX.

What is Thomas J Rusk EL's MySchoolScout rating?

Thomas J Rusk EL has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 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 Thomas J Rusk EL?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Thomas J Rusk EL has 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Thomas J Rusk EL a charter school?

No, Thomas J Rusk EL is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Thomas J Rusk EL a Title I school?

No, Thomas J Rusk EL is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Thomas J Rusk EL?

88.8% of students at Thomas J Rusk 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
67 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
59 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
466
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
88.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Nacogdoches County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
15.2%

District

NACOGDOCHES ISD
District Enrollment
5,863
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,528
District Rank
#1 of 9

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 rate

Related reading

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.