The top reported proficiency rate is 81% in English language arts. The lowest is 53% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Barbara Fasken El
Barbara Fasken Elementary serves pre-K through fifth grade in Laredo as part of United ISD. The school enrolls a population that is substantially Hispanic, with a strong majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic profile of the surrounding neighborhoods. The student body is small to mid-sized for an elementary school.
In math, the school shows a clear progression by grade. Third graders reach just under half proficiency, fourth graders climb to around half, and fifth graders reach roughly two-thirds proficiency. In English language arts on the standard STAAR assessment, fifth graders perform notably higher, reaching around four-fifths proficiency, while third and fourth grade ELA results are unavailable due to small sample sizes on the Spanish-language version of the test. Science data exists only for fifth grade in Spanish and has too few test-takers to report. Across all tested subjects and grade levels together, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile among Webb County districts, a meaningful strength given the county context.
When looking at performance across the performance levels that Texas uses, the school shows a sizable group approaching standards (around four-fifths of students), but fewer students reaching the "meets" level (around three-fifths) and notably fewer reaching the top "master" level (around one-quarter to one-third). In math specifically, the master-level rate sits lower, at roughly one-quarter. The pattern reflects a school where many students are making progress toward grade-level work but where moving beyond proficiency to deeper mastery remains a challenge.
United ISD recently introduced a district-wide reading program focused on grade-level reading comprehension, which directly affects instructional approach in schools like Fasken. The district also launched a new early childhood education program accepting students as young as preschool age, offering expanded pre-K access for families. Property tax rates in the district decreased slightly in the current year, a direct cost factor for families considering the area.
Laredo itself is a border city anchored in logistics and trade, with an economy centered on the Port of Laredo and major employers like FedEx Freight, H-E-B, and healthcare systems. The community is expanding northward with new residential subdivisions and a large mixed-use development called Talise. Home values and rental costs in the area fall below state and national benchmarks, making the housing market relatively affordable for the region. The downtown core retains Old World character with plazas and small blocks, though much of the city is car-dependent; walkability varies sharply by neighborhood.
A parent considering Barbara Fasken should understand this as a school where solid overall performance in math and reading, particularly in the upper elementary grades, coexists with the challenge of moving more students to advanced mastery. The school reflects the economic and linguistic makeup of its neighborhood and operates within a district that has made reading instruction and early childhood access recent priorities.
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