The top reported proficiency rate is 50% in Math. The lowest is 29% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Washington El
Washington Elementary serves only third grade, a focused mission within Big Spring ISD. The school's academic results are mixed and worth understanding clearly if you are considering it.
In English language arts, the school's proficiency sits at a low level, with a small minority of third graders meeting the state standard. The results in math are stronger but still below where many districts perform: roughly a quarter of third graders scored at the highest level, and about half met grade-level expectation. When fourth graders at the school were tested in math, results improved meaningfully, suggesting that students who continue through the school's feeder pattern show progress as they advance.
The school serves a student body that is predominantly Hispanic, with a majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The enrollment is small for a single-grade school. Data on English learners and special education populations was not available.
Washington Elementary does not appear in a context of strong overall district momentum. In May 2024, Big Spring ISD voters rejected a bond package that would have funded a new high school and other facility improvements. That defeat also preserved the property tax rate; the measure would have raised taxes substantially, and residents chose not to authorize that increase. For families considering the district, this means aging high school facilities remain in place and no major infrastructure refresh is planned. The school itself occupies a single grade, so you would need to understand the trajectory through the rest of the elementary and secondary pipeline if your child will attend multiple campuses.
The broader Big Spring region is a county seat with a legacy oil-and-gas economy and a railroad heritage. Population has declined gradually over time. The housing market is markedly affordable relative to Texas and national benchmarks. Median home prices are well below state average, and rents are low relative to income. The economy centers on public institutions (the VA hospital, a state hospital, the community college, the federal prison), a refinery operation, and a growing logistics sector tied to highway and rail access. Growth is modest rather than robust; most recent housing stock predates recent years, signaling limited new residential construction.
If you are looking for strong early-grade academics or extensive program offerings, Washington Elementary's performance and size may not align with your priorities. If you value affordability, a tight-knit small-school environment, and are prepared to engage directly with the school on student support, it is worth a conversation with administrators about how they approach early literacy and numeracy gaps.
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