Overall school performance relatively flat as TEA releases 2026 A-F accountability ratings

Texas campuses and school districts received their state report cards Aug. 14 as the Texas Education Agency released 2026 A-F accountability ratings. About one in four schools saw their ratings improve, while a similar number of campuses saw a drop.

Of the more than 9,000 campuses rated in the 2025-26 school year, 24% scored an A, 34% scored a B, 23% scored a C, 10% scored a D and 4% scored an F.

Ratings largely depend on three primary metrics: how students perform on STAAR and meet college and career readiness benchmarks; how results on state tests improve over time; and how well schools educate underserved children.

Schools with high poverty performed worse than more affluent campuses, while campuses with predominantly Black or Hispanic students scored lower than those where white or Asian students make up the majority, according to TEA data.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath characterized the ratings as a win, pointing to the hundreds of campuses in high-poverty communities that earned an A.

TCTA's take on A-F ratings

TCTA applauds the hard work of teachers across the state in improving outcomes for students, and commends the campuses and districts that have met and exceeded their goals under the accountability system.

However, the effect of a school on its community is more than a number.

While the A-F accountability system elevates performance on standardized tests above all else, parents and teachers alike would more likely rate a school on its role within the community. Education successes are not only found in test scores; public schools provide opportunities for students to expand their horizons and teachers support their students’ personal development throughout their educational journeys.

With increased support and resources, and in collaboration with parents and communities, educators can continue to build on the successes in our public school system to help every Texas student thrive.

Austin ISD facing state takeover threat

Two Austin ISD middle schools earned their fifth consecutive failing grades, triggering the threshold for the state’s most severe sanctions. Commissioner Morath must decide between shuttering the campuses and replacing the district’s locally elected school board with appointees he selects. (Click here to read more from the Austin Current.)

Texas has increasingly leaned on state takeovers to fix chronic academic struggles. But four districts — Ector County, Greenville, Ralls and Spring — managed to avoid the potential for TEA to take over through gains at their struggling campuses.

Waco ISD’s partnership with charter network Third Future Schools gives the district more time to improve its failing campuses before TEA considers intervention.

TEA took over Houston ISD, the state's largest district, in 2023. It took over Fort Worth, Lake Worth, Beaumont and Connolly ISD's after last year's A-F scores. 

Houston ISD has made enough progress that Morath said TEA's control of the district could end "relatively soon." (Click here to read more from Houston Public Media.)

Districts have until Sept. 11 to appeal their ratings. 

Click here to view how your campus and district were rated.