The top reported proficiency rate is 52% in English language arts. The lowest is 22% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Treasure Hills El
Treasure Hills Elementary is a pre-K through fifth-grade school in Harlingen, serving a student body that is predominantly Hispanic, with a substantial majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The school's enrollment spans grades from pre-kindergarten through grade five, with roughly balanced class sizes across the primary grades and a larger cohort in fifth grade.
On state assessments, Treasure Hills shows uneven performance across subjects. In English language arts, the school demonstrates modest proficiency, particularly in the upper grades where fifth-graders show somewhat stronger results than third-graders. Mathematics proficiency is lower, with third-grade results particularly weak. Fifth-grade science proficiency is notably low. When all tested subjects are considered together, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile among Cameron County school districts, a meaningful marker given the comparable demographics and economic context of its peer schools in the region.
The data reveal a bilingual testing picture: most students took assessments in English, though a small number of students in grades four and five took Spanish-language versions. The limited sample sizes for Spanish-assessed students mean proficiency results for those cohorts are unavailable. This speaks to a bilingual student population, though specific counts of English learners are not available in the data.
The school sits within Harlingen CISD, which has experienced serious financial strain. A prior administration drew down cash reserves substantially, reducing the district's fund balance to a critical level by mid-2024. The district responded with staffing cuts and a multi-year recovery plan. In 2025, the Texas Education Agency lowered the district's financial rating to a "C" for the first time in decades, marking a shift from its historical "A" standing. These budget pressures can affect teacher retention, course offerings, facility maintenance, and support services. The district has, however, invested in a social-emotional learning program called Capturing Kids' Hearts, launched district-wide in 2022 with grant funding; by 2024-2025, eleven elementary schools including those in the district earned national showcase recognition for this work, suggesting attention to classroom climate and student relationships alongside academic instruction.
Harlingen's local economy is anchored by healthcare, education, telecommunications, manufacturing, and aerospace. The housing market shows moderate affordability relative to income, with home values and rental costs holding relatively stable. The broader context is a bilingual region where English and Spanish fluency are common workplace assets.
For families considering Treasure Hills, the school offers early childhood and primary education in a high-poverty, predominantly Hispanic community within a district navigating significant budget recovery. The school's academic performance, while low in absolute terms, compares favorably to its county peers. Parents may want to look into the school's specific supports for literacy and math, particularly in the primary grades, and to discuss with the school how it is adapting instruction given the district's staffing adjustments.
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