The top reported proficiency rate is 37% in English language arts. The lowest is 4% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on South Waco El
South Waco Elementary is a small, public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in south Waco. About half its students are Black and more than a third are Hispanic. A very large share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic circumstances of the neighborhood it serves.
The school's academic results are weak across all tested subjects. In fifth-grade English language arts, a little more than a third of students met proficiency. In fifth-grade math, proficiency dropped sharply to single digits. In fifth-grade science, proficiency was minimal. Performance across grade levels on the state assessment shows particularly low results in math, where proficiency rates are very low. When assessed across all available results, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile among districts in McLennan County.
Several factors bear on what families will encounter at South Waco. The school recently underwent renovation as part of a voter-approved bond in 2021, so facilities are newer. At the same time, in early 2026 the Waco Independent School District approved a contract with an outside operator, Third Future Schools, to take over the school's operations beginning in fall 2026. This came after the school received failing accountability ratings from the state over several years, placing it at risk of state takeover. Under the charter contract model, students will experience a longer school day, an extended school year, and a different math and English curriculum from what the wider district uses. The school will have new staffing. This represents a substantial operational shift for current and prospective families.
The surrounding Waco area is undergoing downtown redevelopment led by the City and a private master developer, with plans for mixed-use development including residential, retail, and office space. Housing costs in the area are below state and national medians. These economic and development factors provide context for the neighborhood South Waco serves.
Parents considering this school should be aware of both the transition to charter operations and the current academic performance. The longer school day and year, combined with curriculum changes, may appeal to families seeking intensive academic intervention. For those already at the school, the 2026 transition will bring real changes to daily experience and instruction. A parent may want to learn more from the school and Third Future Schools directly about staffing continuity, curriculum details, and support structures for students navigating this change.
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