Original Research by School Decision on John B Connally H S
John B. Connally High School sits in North Austin and serves a student body that is predominantly Hispanic, with a substantial majority from lower-income households. The school draws from Pflugerville Independent School District, which recently approved the closure of four elementary schools effective the 2027-28 school year due to declining enrollment and budget constraints, a shift that will reshape district demographics and neighborhood assignments for families in the area.
The school's academic performance, based on the most recent state assessment data available, shows mixed proficiency across subjects. In math and English language arts, roughly half of students meet the "approaches" standard, the baseline level in Texas's accountability system, but far fewer reach the "meets" or "masters" tiers that indicate stronger command. Science results are notably stronger, with most students reaching the approaches level and a substantial share reaching meets or masters. Social studies shows moderate performance. Across all tested subjects combined, about two-thirds of students reach the approaches level, but only about a third reach meets, and very few reach masters. This pattern suggests the school serves many students working toward grade-level competency but indicates that accelerated or advanced-level outcomes are limited. A parent may want to look into further detail with the school about supports for students below grade level and what accelerated pathways exist for those ready to advance more quickly.
Enrollment data alone does not capture whether the school has adequate English learner support or special education services; those figures were not available in the data. Staffing and detailed course-access information are also absent from what we reviewed, so you may want to ask the school directly about class sizes, teacher retention, and what AP or dual-credit course options exist.
The Austin area, where Connally is located, is one of the fastest-growing large metros in the country, driven by major tech employers including Apple, Dell, Tesla, Oracle, Google, and Samsung, and anchored by state government and the University of Texas. Housing costs have declined modestly in the past year but remain elevated; homeownership requires a substantial down payment and monthly mortgage, though renting is roughly a fifth of household income in the 78753 zip code. The broader Austin metro is projected to grow substantially over coming decades. Pflugerville ISD itself approved a large bond in 2022 for school renovations and a new career and technology education center, and the district has held its tax rate flat for two consecutive years at its lowest level in decades, which affects homeowner tax bills directly.
The district's decision to close four elementary schools beginning in 2027-28 means families in this area should expect shifts in neighborhood school assignments and the school-age population becoming more concentrated in remaining facilities. This context matters for anyone considering whether to enroll at or around Connally: the feeder pattern and family demographics will shift. The district has also introduced a new career-focused elective for middle schoolers beginning this year, exposing students earlier to in-demand fields like artificial intelligence and clean energy.
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