The top reported proficiency rate is 51% in English language arts. The lowest is 48% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Thelma Jones El
Thelma Jones Elementary serves pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in Arlington, part of Mansfield ISD. The school sits in a zip code where home prices reflect a mid-range suburban market within Tarrant County, and rental rates are moderate. The area is residential and part of a district that spans several communities south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The school's enrollment is small for its grade band, with roughly equal numbers across the primary grades. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a working-class population. The student body is racially and ethnically diverse, with Black students forming the largest share, followed by a substantial Asian population, then Hispanic students and others. The school does not report counts or rates for students in special education or English learner programs.
On state testing in 2024-25, Thelma Jones shows mixed results. In English language arts, fourth-grade students performed notably better than third-graders, with about half meeting or exceeding the proficiency standard, compared to less than half in third grade. In math, proficiency rates were similar across grades, hovering near half of students tested. When all performance levels are combined, about three-quarters of students scored at the "approaches" level or above in both subjects, meaning about one in four did not meet even the lowest proficiency threshold. Around one in five students across the school achieved the highest performance level ("masters") in either subject. Overall, the school's proficiency index places it in the top quartile among Tarrant County's school buildings, a meaningful strength, though absolute proficiency rates remain below midpoint for the region.
Thelma Jones is a regular public school with no charter or magnet designation. The school website does not appear to be linked in the district directory, which limits what parents can readily find about specific programming, schedules, or ways to engage. The school does offer robotics and student council as extracurricular activities.
The Mansfield ISD context is relevant to a family's experience. In May 2024 voters approved a major bond for facility improvements—HVAC, roofing, electrical, plumbing systems, instructional technology, and a new pre-K center—with no planned tax rate increase. The district has reduced its property tax rate for several consecutive years, though rising property appraisals have offset that for homeowners, resulting in higher bills despite the rate cut. A 2021 voter-approved "Penny Swap" shifted revenue from debt service to classroom instruction, generating ongoing additional funding for schools and student programs without raising the overall rate.
A parent considering this school should ask the building directly about curriculum approach, class size at each grade level, how the school addresses students below the proficiency line, and whether Title I resources are in place. The data does not show whether the school participates in any choice programs or magnet themes. A parent may want to look into Title I status and special education and English learner support with the school, as those details are not publicly available in this profile.
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