South Texas ISD remains an ‘A’ district in the 2023 State Accountability Ratings

STISD represents as the only ‘A’ district in the Rio Grande Valley and one of only two in Region One.

MERCEDES – After a two-year delay, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the 2023 A-F accountability ratings for school systems and campuses throughout the state.

South Texas Independent School District (STISD) is the only district in the Rio Grande Valley to receive an A rating overall, and one of only two districts in the Region One area, sharing the honor with United ISD in Laredo.

The district received A ratings in all areas evaluated, with an overall scaled score of 94, and the Postsecondary Readiness Distinction Designation, the only one available at the district level. STISD has received this designation every year since it became available, a total of eight times.

Six of the district’s seven middle and high school campuses also earned A ratings overall, including: South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes (Health Professions), South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito (Medical Professions), South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg (Preparatory Academy), South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito (Rising Scholars), South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes (Science Academy), and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg (World Scholars). The district’s newest campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy (Virtual Academy), earned a B rating.

In addition to receiving A ratings, five of the STISD campuses also received all distinction designations for which they were eligible, including Health Professions, Preparatory Academy, Rising Scholars, Science Academy, and World Scholars.

According to TEA, the entity is prevented from sharing more recent school ratings from the 2023-24 school year due to a separate, ongoing lawsuit. School performance ratings from the 2024-25 school year are scheduled to be issued in August 2025.

STISD is comprised of four magnet high schools – South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg – as well as two middle schools – South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, and one stand-alone virtual campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, which serves students in grades 6-12. All campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties. For more information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.