The top reported proficiency rate is 42% in English language arts. The lowest is 0% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Northside El
Northside Elementary serves fourth and fifth grade students in Henderson, a small county seat in East Texas. The school enrolls a student body that is roughly balanced between White and Hispanic students, with a substantial Black enrollment as well. About seven in ten students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic circumstances of many families in the attendance zone.
The school's recent state assessment results show proficiency levels that fall notably below midpoint when compared to other districts in Rusk County. In fourth-grade English language arts, about half of students reached proficiency; in fourth-grade math, proficiency was somewhat lower. Fifth-grade results were weaker across both subjects. The school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile among county districts. These numbers tell a straightforward story: this is a school where a majority of students are not yet meeting grade-level standards on state assessments. A parent considering Northside would want to understand what interventions and supports the school has in place for students working below grade level, and what the school's plan is to raise proficiency over time.
The school is part of Henderson ISD, a district that serves the area with a total enrollment of several hundred students across grade bands. The district adopted a phone-free policy in 2025-26 to comply with state law, which affects daily routines for all families. The district also lowered its property tax rate for 2025, a concrete benefit to homeowners in the zone.
Henderson itself is a working small town centered on a historic courthouse square downtown, with established residential neighborhoods, tree-lined streets and a median age just over forty. The local housing market reflects the small-town, rural character: home values are modest compared to state and national benchmarks. Employment spans education, manufacturing and healthcare. Fair Park offers a lighted walking trail, and the Rusk County Library sits downtown. The city has adopted a comprehensive plan aimed at managed growth while preserving small-town character, with new residential developments in the planning or early phases.
Northside Elementary is a neighborhood school that serves a diverse, economically stretched population. Its test results show significant proficiency gaps. For families considering the school, the key questions are whether the school's approach and resources align with their child's academic needs, and whether the family's own literacy and math support at home can complement classroom instruction.
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