Excellence Earned: Mission CISD Campuses Score “A” Ratings, Showcasing Academic Growth and Success

MISSION, TEXAS– Cheers, music, and school spirit filled the air as Mission CISD celebrated achievement in style. Last week, the district honored Leal Elementary, Cantu Elementary, Cavazos Elementary, and Mission Collegiate High School for earning the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) top “A” rating with spirited pep rallies full of performances, student signs, and recognition of staff and students.

These ratings reflect excellence in student achievement, academic growth, and closing performance gaps, which are critical measures in TEA’s accountability system. The recognition is timely as the district as a whole is on an upward trajectory under Mission CISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Cris Valdez’s leadership, improving its overall TEA rating to a “B” (83 out of 100).

Mission CISD serves more than 14,000 students across 22 campuses. The district’s student-teacher ratio stands at approximately 14.5 to 1, placing it among more favorable class-size districts in the region.

Dr. Cris Valdez, emphasized the district’s commitment to excellence, stating:

“These campuses are among the highest performing in our region and state, and today we are celebrating our dedicated faculty and staff. We cannot thank them enough for the work they do every day. At Mission CISD, we are building great schools because we believe in education. Our mission is not just to prepare students for college, but to prepare them for life.”

The “A” ratings of the four campuses underscore substantial progress in raising student outcomes and narrowing gaps across demographic groups.

The timing matters: state accountability ratings are closely watched by local media and education stakeholders. With the district already trending upward, these campus successes serve as proof points that the transformation under Dr. Valdez is real, resonating beyond test scores to community pride and morale.

Cantu Elementary’s Principal, Enrique Alvarez, echoed this sentiment: “I am filled with pride and gratitude today—we have achieved something truly amazing. This state rating reflects your unwavering commitment to excellence. Every book you read and every problem you solved led us to this accomplishment. To our teachers and staff: you are the heart of this school.”

Cheerleaders, dance teams, and mascots entertained the crowd, while leaders recognized top-performing teachers and staff whose day-to-day work helped make this recognition possible.

Leaders spoke directly to students, encouraging continued perseverance and reminding everyone that this is just one milestone in an ongoing journey of excellence.

Mission CISD Board of Trustees President Dolores “Loli” Reyna shared her congratulations on behalf of the Board of Trustees, saying:

“Congratulations on earning your ‘A’ rating! Keep up the outstanding work. Mission CISD is so proud of our students, families, faculty, and staff for this state recognition.”

The “A” ratings mark an important milestone in Mission CISD’s journey, but this is just the beginning. With a clear focus on student achievement, Mission CISD is charting a course toward even greater success. The district’s commitment is clear: to ensure every student not only thrives in the classroom today but is fully prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow.