The top reported proficiency rate is 34% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Park Crest El
Park Crest Elementary is a small school of pre-K through fifth grade in Garland, with roughly equal-sized classes across its grade band. Nearly all its students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and about four-fifths of the student body is Hispanic; significant numbers of Asian and Black students also attend, along with a very small white population. The school sits in a district and city where housing is relatively affordable compared to much of the Dallas area, though property taxes have risen recently with a 2023 bond measure and a 2025 voter-approved tax increase to address budget challenges and aging facilities.
The academic picture shows proficiency across subjects that is above the midpoint for schools in Dallas County, but the actual proficiency rates tell a story of substantial unmet need. In third grade, about a quarter of students met or exceeded the math standard and a third met or exceeded the English language arts standard. Fourth grade performs better, with about two-fifths meeting or exceeding in math and slightly more in English language arts. Fifth grade drops off notably, with only about a quarter meeting or exceeding in English language arts. The school has a small group of fifth graders being assessed in Spanish on STAAR, which limits what can be said about their results. Science testing data for fifth grade covers too small a sample to report a meaningful rate. Across all subjects and grades, the school shows that about one-third of students have reached the "meets grade level" proficiency bar, about three-fifths have reached "approaches grade level," and about one-seventh have reached the "masters" level. In social studies, proficiency is lower still, with fewer than half reaching the "approaches" level and only about one-twentieth reaching "masters."
No trend data spanning multiple years was available, so it is not possible to see whether these results represent improvement, decline, or stability. Participation rates on the state assessment were not reported in the data provided.
The Garland Independent School District has been consolidating campuses in response to enrollment decline, though Park Crest is not listed among the schools targeted for closure or relocation. The district recently adopted a curriculum framework emphasizing explicit instruction and aligned diagnostic assessments. The broader community context is one of ongoing growth and change: Garland itself is largely built out and mature, with downtown redevelopment, transit-oriented housing near the DART station, and new multifamily apartments. Local employment centers on manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. The city retains a walkable downtown around the civic square but is car-oriented overall.
For a family seeking early-elementary education in an affordable neighborhood with high needs and high support needs, Park Crest offers a small-school environment with a heavily Hispanic and low-income student body. Its proficiency results suggest that reading and math instruction would merit close attention during school visits and conversations with teachers. A parent may want to look into the school's specific instructional approaches and how the district's new curriculum framework is being implemented at this school in particular.
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