Excellent
#173 of 8,547 schools in TX
Top 2% in state
West EL
Elementary School · WEST ISD
825 COTTONWOOD RD, West, TX 76691
Enrollment
605
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
9.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
605
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
9.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In West
#1 of 3
public schools
Texas elementary schools
#112 of 4,678
In district
#1 of 3
WEST ISD
Academic growth
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About West EL
West El is a public elementary school serving 605 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in West, Texas. Its composite score of 9.0 out of 10 earns it an Exceptional rating — a designation that reflects sustained performance across both academic achievement and student growth, not a single strong year. The school's statewide standing is the clearest signal of its quality.
West El ranks 173rd among 8,547 public schools in Texas, outperforming 98% of the state. Among elementary schools specifically, it places 112th out of 4,678 — a top 3% finish in one of the most populous and competitive state education systems in the country. Within West itself, it holds the top position among the city's three public schools.
A student-teacher ratio of 14.4 to 1 keeps classrooms manageable and gives teachers real access to individual students. The school's growth score of 9.8 out of 10 is the standout figure — measurably higher than its already-strong academic score of 8.7 — indicating that students are advancing at a pace that exceeds expectations based on where they started. For families weighing both achievement level and year-over-year momentum, West El ranks among Texas's most compelling elementary options.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, West EL may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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West EL — Students at West EL score 55% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
42.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from TX state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.8/10.
How West EL Compares
See how West EL performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 44% (2019) to 63% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 46% (2019) to 47% (2021).
Location
825 COTTONWOOD RD, West, TX 76691
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West EL may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. AXTELL EL (rated 7.0/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Axtell), a more accessible option. Another option is ST MARYS SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 1.1 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, HILLSBORO EL (rated 6.4/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Hillsboro), a more accessible option. For more schools in West, see our West schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| WEST H S West | 0.2 mi | 7.0 |
| WEST MIDDLE West | 0.2 mi | 8.5 |
| ST MARYS SCHOOL West | 1.1 mi | 6.5 |
| ABBOTT SCHOOL Abbott | 5.1 mi | 7.8 |
| AQUILLA SCHOOL Aquilla | 8.5 mi | 7.7 |
| CONNALLY J H Elm Mott | 10.7 mi | 6.8 |
| CONNALLY PRI Elm Mott | 10.8 mi | 6.0 |
| PENELOPE SCHOOL Penelope | 9.7 mi | 7.1 |
| CONNALLY EL Waco | 11.6 mi | 5.4 |
| CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL Waco | 11.6 mi | 5.9 |
| CONNALLY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Waco | 11.6 mi | 6.2 |
| GHOLSON ISD Waco | 11.0 mi | 7.6 |
| BYNUM SCHOOL Bynum | 11.9 mi | 8.6 |
| HILLSBORO EL Hillsboro | 12.3 mi | 6.4 |
| HILLSBORO H S Hillsboro | 12.3 mi | 7.1 |
| AXTELL H S Axtell | 12.3 mi | 5.9 |
| AXTELL MIDDLE SCHOOL Axtell | 12.3 mi | 8.0 |
| HILLSBORO INT Hillsboro | 13.2 mi | 8.1 |
| AXTELL EL Axtell | 12.7 mi | 7.0 |
| HILLSBORO J H Hillsboro | 14.0 mi | 9.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 76691 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,632
Median Home Value
$229,900
Median Rent
$931/mo
Population
6,288
College Educated
19.8%
Homeownership
79.2%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
9.9%
Median Age
42.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding West EL has a median household income of $72,632. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $229,900, with a median rent of $931/month. The local poverty rate of 9.9% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| DEKALB EL Dekalb, TX | 9.0 |
| HOUSE CREEK EL Copperas Cove, TX | 9.0 |
| J K HILEMAN EL Queen City, TX | 9.0 |
| MILAM EL Mcallen, TX | 9.0 |
| NITSCH EL Klein, TX | 9.0 |
| OLD SETTLERS EL Flower Mound, TX | 9.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West EL
What grades does West EL serve?
West EL serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend West EL?
West EL has an enrollment of approximately 605 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West EL?
The student-teacher ratio at West EL is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West EL rank in TX?
West EL is ranked #173 out of 8,547 schools in TX.
What is West EL's MySchoolScout rating?
West EL has a composite rating of 9.0 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 West EL?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West EL has 53.5% math proficiency and 46.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West EL a charter school?
No, West EL is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West EL a Title I school?
No, West EL is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West EL?
42.1% of students at West 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 605
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 42
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 42.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- McLennan County
- Phone
- (254) 981-2200
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
WEST ISD- District Enrollment
- 1,250
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,079
- District Rank
- #1 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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