Bells Isd, TX - District Data

Original Research by School Decision on Bells Isd

Bells ISD, a small district spanning pre-kindergarten through grade twelve in Grayson County, Texas, serves a community of under one thousand students. The enrollment is fairly stable across grade levels, with a student body that is predominantly white, and a substantial portion of students who identify as Hispanic or more than one race. The specific count of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch was not available in the data provided.

The district's recent academic profile shows measurable strength in math and mixed performance in English language arts. In mathematics, proficiency across the district runs strong: students in grades six through eight consistently demonstrate solid competency, with particularly high results in grades seven and eight. English language arts proficiency runs somewhat lower, particularly in grade five, though results improve markedly in grades six, seven, and eight. Science performance at the elementary level sits below half of students meeting proficiency, though eighth-grade science improves. Social studies remains a soft spot, with only about two in five eighth graders meeting proficiency on state assessment.

When placed against the other districts in Grayson County, Bells ISD ranks in the top quartile for overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades. The district also sits in the top quartile for chronic absenteeism, suggesting strong engagement and attendance. Per-pupil spending falls in the middle range on the lower side compared to other county districts, which reflects the district's lean operational model.

Two community investments stand out for families considering the area. In 2023, voters approved a bond package that funded substantial facility work completed by summer 2025, including classroom additions at the junior high, new robotics and computer labs at the high school for expanding STEM programs, new science laboratories, a new field house, and improved traffic flow and parking at the elementary. These investments directly expand instructional space and program capacity. Additionally, the district's property tax rate has declined meaningfully over recent years and remained stable through 2025, providing cost relief for homeowners and a more favorable tax environment than many districts in the region.

Housing values in the district's service area sit moderately below the state benchmark. Affordability is reasonable for the region, with rent-to-income ratios and mortgage estimates within accessible ranges for many families. The local economy shows steady employment, with unemployment rates typical for the state and national medians.

A parent evaluating Bells ISD should understand this as a small, stable rural district with building momentum. The recent capital investments signal the community's commitment to facility quality and STEM opportunity. Math instruction appears solid, while English language arts and science warrant attention at the elementary level. The low tax rate and moderate housing costs make the district an economical choice for families prioritizing affordability alongside a functioning academic foundation.

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District Context

Officially reported figures, 2024-25.

Enrollment

986

Grades

PK–12

Schools

Student body

Hispanic 12%

Black 1%

White 80%

Asian 1%

Two+ 6%

Am. Indian / AK Native 1%

Hawaiian / Pac. Isl. 1%

By economic status

Percent proficient by grade, as reported

Economically disadvantaged

Not disadvantaged

ELA

Gr 3

48%

68%

Gr 4

38%

75%

Gr 5

32%

67%

Gr 6

42%

80%

Gr 7

54%

84%

Gr 8

65%

86%

Math

Gr 3

48%

Gr 4

44%

80%

Gr 5

42%

69%

Gr 6

46%

79%

Gr 7

75%

93%

Gr 8

65%

92%

Science

Gr 5

16%

69%

Gr 8

52%

65%

Social studies

Gr 8

26%

47%

all_subjects_approaches

Gr ALL

64%

—

all_subjects_masters

Gr ALL

12%

—

all_subjects_meets

Gr ALL

35%

—

ela_approaches

Gr ALL

60%

—

ela_masters

Gr ALL

—

ela_meets

Gr ALL

30%

—

math_approaches

Gr ALL

70%

—

math_masters

Gr ALL

16%

—

math_meets

Gr ALL

40%

—

science_approaches

Gr ALL

55%

—

science_masters

Gr ALL

20%

—

science_meets

Gr ALL

25%

—

social_studies_approaches

Gr ALL

65%

—

social_studies_masters

Gr ALL

13%

—

social_studies_meets

Gr ALL

39%

—

Schools in this District

3 schools are officially reported under this district.

BELLS EL

BELLS H S

PRITCHARD J H

Academic Performance

Percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, by grade.

Mathematics

6 grades reported

48%

Grade 3

64%

Grade 4

56%

Grade 5

68%

Grade 6

85%

Grade 7

83%

Grade 8

English Language Arts

6 grades reported

59%

Grade 3

59%

Grade 4

49%

Grade 5

68%

Grade 6

74%

Grade 7

78%

Grade 8

Science

2 grades reported

43%

Grade 5

60%

Grade 8

Social Studies

1 grade reported

39%

Grade 8

Housing & Real Estate

Data as of April 2026 | District-weighted from constituent ZIP codes

Home Values

Typical home value$344,146

Year-over-year change-2.9%

Range across 4 ZIP codes$252K to $367K

vs. state typical1.14x

vs. national typical0.93x

Home value trend (12 months)

ZIP code home values (4 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Value	YoY	Weight
75414	Bells	$367K	-2.5%	79.4%
75021	Denison	$252K	-4.7%	18.1%
75479	Savoy	$296K	-1.2%	2.5%
75491	Whitewright	$346K	-3.0%	0.0%

Rental Market

Typical monthly rent$1,365/mo

Year-over-year change-1.4%

Rent trend (12 months)

ZIP code rents (1 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Rent/mo	YoY	Weight
75021	Denison	$1,365	-1.4%	18.1%

Affordability

Est. monthly mortgage (20% down at 6.48%)$1,737/mo

Home price / national median income4.1x

Annual rent / national median income19.6%

Est. mortgage exceeds rent by$372/mo

Comparison

State typical home value$302,187 (-2.0% YoY)

National typical home value$368,198 (+0.6% YoY)

State ZHVI trend (12 months)

National ZHVI trend (12 months)

Economic Context

30-year fixed mortgage rate6.48%

National unemployment rate4.3%

National median household income$83,730

CPI: Rent of shelter (index)447.05

30-year fixed mortgage rate (12 months)

National unemployment rate (12 months)

National median household income (12 months)

CPI: Rent of shelter (index) (12 months)

Sources: Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index (Zillow Group), Realtor.com via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)

Data Currently Unavailable

Civil Rights Data (CRDC)

This profile is derived exclusively from publicly available federal and state datasets. It may not reflect the most current information available. We encourage parents and families to supplement this data with information published directly on the school’s website, which may include more recent figures, additional programs, or updated enrollment data.