TEA accountability ratings show Taylor, Granger on the rise
Texas Education Agency 2025-26 accountability ratings released last week show Taylor and Granger independent school districts seeing improvements, while Hutto and Thrall schools remained at the same level.
The Taylor Independent School District made one of the biggest jumps, moving from a D grade two years ago to a B with an average score of 80.
“We are proud but not surprised by the new rating,” said Taylor ISD Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen.
Granger schools also moved from a D to a C with a score of 76. Hutto’s rating remained a C, unchanged from the previous year.
The Thrall Independent School District received the highest rating among area school systems with an A and a score of 93 out of 100.
“Thrall ISD is extremely proud to have earned an A rating from TEA, with each of our campuses earning an A as well,” said interim Superintendent Blake Schneider.
Taylor Middle School achieved a 14-point increase in its score, while Taylor High School gained nine points, with both schools earning a “B” rating.
The grade demonstrates substantial progress in student achievement and growth across the district, officials said.
Taylor ISD has spent the last few years taking a closer look at what students need to succeed and making deliberate changes to its instruction, enrichment, attendance and more, educators said.
“This work has been intentional over the past three years, and each year we have made progress toward this new level of performance. It has taken consistent expectations, ongoing support for students and staff, and a relentless commitment to seeing our students succeed,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.
Schneider shared similar thoughts.
“While we are grateful for the recognition , these ratings represent more than academic success — they are a reflection of our culture,” he said. “They reflect a community that believes in its schools, sets high expectations for its children, supports its educators and works together to help every student succeed.”
The state’s A-F accountability system measures student performance across several areas, including achievement on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, tests. Other metrics include graduation rates, preparedness for a career or military service, the progress of economically disadvantaged students campus to campus and closing any educational gaps.
The system was created in 2017 through House Bill 22 and underwent significant changes in 2023.
The full A-F ratings are available at TxSchools.gov.
According to a TEA release, 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses were rated in 2026.
Of those, “Twentyfour percent of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025; 585 campuses across Texas improved from below an A to an A rating in 2026. In total, 85% of campuses that received an A-F rating statewide achieved acceptable academic performance (C or above),” the release noted.
According to the state agency, the ratings “provide clear, accessible information on school and district performance, serving as an essential tool for parents, educators, policymakers and local communities to make informed decisions that support student success.”
State Education Commissioner Mike Morath applauded the efforts of teachers, students and parents.
“This year’s A-F ratings illustrate the progress Texas public schools are making and acknowledge the hard work of our educators while illuminating areas of needed improvement to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education,” he said in a prepared statement.
He added, “Through our commitment to transparency and accessibility, parents and the public can explore the ratings and associated resources to clearly understand the performance of their schools.”
“
“This work has been intentional over the past three years.”
— Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Taylor ISD superintendent
