Howard County Schools & Education
Howard County, Texas
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
16/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
78.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
78.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,417
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,498
School Score
16/100
Higher = better
State avg 56/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#251
of 253 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Howard County
School Verdict
Howard County faces educational challenges with a school score of 16/100 and a graduation rate of 78.3%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,417 per pupil, Howard County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Howard County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 71% below the Texas average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 13.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 14% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Howard County, Texas
A Three-District System Serving Over 5,000 Students
Howard County operates 14 public schools distributed among three school districts. The system supports 5,358 students through six elementary, three middle, and four high schools. One alternative school also serves the local population's diverse needs.
Academic Challenges and Investment Opportunities
The graduation rate currently stands at 78.3%, falling below both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national mark of 87%. Local per-pupil expenditure is $6,417, which is approximately half of the national average. The county’s composite school score is 46.1, indicating room for growth in academic outcomes.
Big Spring ISD Dominates Regional Education
Big Spring ISD is the largest district by far, educating 3,510 students across nine separate campuses. Coahoma ISD and Forsan ISD provide additional options, serving 1,095 and 753 students respectively. No charter schools currently operate within the county boundaries.
Town-Centered Schools with Larger Enrollments
With an average school size of 412 students, Howard County schools feel more populated than many neighboring rural areas. Eight schools are located in town settings, led by Big Spring High School with 1,084 students. Six other schools provide a more rural learning experience for the community.
Relocate Near Howard County's Top Schools
Homebuyers in Howard County can choose between the robust facilities of Big Spring or the smaller settings in Coahoma and Forsan. Proximity to school districts remains a primary driver for local property values and family stability. Check out available homes to find the right fit for your student.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in Howard County
Total Enrollment
5,358
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Howard County
BIG SPRING ISD
COAHOMA ISD
FORSAN ISD
14 Public Schools in Howard County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIG SPRING H S | BIG SPRING ISD | 9–12 | High | 1,084 |
| COAHOMA EL | COAHOMA ISD | PK–5 | Primary | 568 |
| BIG SPRING J H | BIG SPRING ISD | 7–8 | Middle | 516 |
| BIG SPRING INT | BIG SPRING ISD | 5–6 | Middle | 489 |
| MOSS EL | BIG SPRING ISD | KG–2 | Primary | 461 |
| FORSAN H S | FORSAN ISD | 6–12 | High | 394 |
| MARCY EL | BIG SPRING ISD | KG–2 | Primary | 360 |
| FORSAN EL | FORSAN ISD | PK–5 | Primary | 359 |
| WASHINGTON EL | BIG SPRING ISD | 3 | Primary | 273 |
| COAHOMA H S | COAHOMA ISD | 9–12 | High | 271 |
| COAHOMA J H | COAHOMA ISD | 6–8 | Middle | 256 |
| GOLIAD EL | BIG SPRING ISD | 4 | Primary | 232 |
| KENTWOOD EL | BIG SPRING ISD | PK | Other | 95 |
| BIG SPRING DAEP | BIG SPRING ISD | 5–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,417
State avg $7,498
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Howard County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Howard County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Howard County?
How much does Howard County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Howard County, Texas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Howard County, Texas?
Howard County operates 14 public schools distributed among three school districts. The system supports 5,358 students through six elementary, three middle, and four high schools. One alternative school also serves the local population's diverse needs.
How do schools in Howard County perform academically?
The graduation rate currently stands at 78.3%, falling below both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national mark of 87%. Local per-pupil expenditure is $6,417, which is approximately half of the national average. The county’s composite school score is 46.1, indicating room for growth in academic outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Howard County, Texas?
Big Spring ISD is the largest district by far, educating 3,510 students across nine separate campuses. Coahoma ISD and Forsan ISD provide additional options, serving 1,095 and 753 students respectively. No charter schools currently operate within the county boundaries.
What is the school experience like in Howard County?
With an average school size of 412 students, Howard County schools feel more populated than many neighboring rural areas. Eight schools are located in town settings, led by Big Spring High School with 1,084 students. Six other schools provide a more rural learning experience for the community.
How can I find homes near good schools in Howard County, Texas?
Homebuyers in Howard County can choose between the robust facilities of Big Spring or the smaller settings in Coahoma and Forsan. Proximity to school districts remains a primary driver for local property values and family stability. Check out available homes to find the right fit for your student.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.