The top reported proficiency rate is 33% in Math. The lowest is 29% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Houston Elem.
Houston Elementary is a regular public school in the Houston R-I School District, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school is located in the small rural Ozarks town of Houston, which is the county seat of Texas County. The enrollment makes it a moderate-sized elementary school for its grade band, and the student body is predominantly white, with a small share of students identifying as two or more races and a very small Hispanic population. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic context of the community.
State testing results from the Missouri Assessment Program provide a mixed picture. In math, third-grade proficiency was quite low, while fourth and fifth graders reached higher levels, though still below the majority. In English language arts, third grade again showed a relatively low proficiency rate, with modest improvement by fourth and fifth grades. Science results for fifth graders fell below the halfway mark. Overall academic proficiency across tested subjects and grades falls below the midpoint when compared with other districts in Texas County. Because Houston Elementary serves only early and intermediate grades, there is no graduation rate to report; that metric does not apply. Chronic absenteeism data was not available in the records reviewed.
The school operates as a regular public school and is not a charter or magnet. No program offerings, such as gifted education or specific intervention programs, were listed in the data, so a parent may want to inquire directly with the school about available academic supports and enrichment.
Houston itself is a compact Ozarks town with a mix of historic houses and newer single-family homes. The downtown contains small boutiques and spas, and the surrounding area is defined by the Mark Twain National Forest and outdoor recreation opportunities, including kayaking, fishing, and parks. The city is in a phase of moderate growth and development, with a newly formed Downtown Development Authority focused on reinvestment, a recreation center in the works, and a county-wide early childhood education initiative aimed at expanding child care availability. Housing demand is high, with rental units consistently occupied, and there are subdivided lots ready for new home construction. The hospital and the school district itself are significant local employers.
No recent parent-relevant changes such as curriculum shifts, referenda, or property tax adjustments were found for the Houston R-I district in available sources. The school is integrated into the town rather than set apart on a distant campus, and the public library is nearby.
For a family considering this school, the academic picture is one where performance varies by grade and subject, with third grade standing out as a particular soft spot in both math and reading. The school serves a community that is economically mixed, with a notable share of students in poverty. The town offers a quiet, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with some reinvestment activity. Parents may want to ask about how the school supports early-grade literacy and math, and whether any enrichment or intervention programs are available beyond the core curriculum.
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