Zapata County Schools & Education
Zapata County, Texas
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
41/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,994
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,498
School Score
41/100
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
#217
of 253 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Zapata County
School Verdict
Zapata County performs at an average level with a school score of 41/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.0%.
Funding Context
At $5,994 per pupil, Zapata County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Zapata County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 27% below the Texas average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 0.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 20% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Zapata County, Texas
Unified Education in Zapata County
Zapata County operates under a single unified district, Zapata County ISD, which manages all six public schools for 3,376 students. The infrastructure is geared toward primary education, featuring four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This centralized system allows for streamlined transitions as students move through the grade levels.
Competitive Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending
The county maintains a graduation rate of 92.0%, which outperforms both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national rate of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending is lower than the state average at $5,994, the county still secures a 52.4 composite school score. These figures highlight the district's ability to maintain high completion rates despite tighter financial resources.
One District, One Vision for All Students
Zapata County ISD serves as the sole provider for the county's 3,376 students, ensuring a consistent curriculum and shared community goals. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of the student population is enrolled in the local public district. This unity helps foster a strong sense of local identity and collective academic focus.
Large Campus Dynamics in a Rural Mix
The county splits its facilities between three town-based and three rural locations, with an average school size of 563 students. Zapata High School is a major hub with 1,034 students, making it the largest facility by a significant margin. Attending school here means being part of a larger, high-energy campus environment within a close-knit county structure.
Invest in a Community with Consistent Growth
With a graduation rate that beats the state average, Zapata County is an excellent choice for families seeking a unified and successful school system. The district's large campuses and high graduation success make it a focal point for home buyers in the region. Look for properties in the Zapata area to benefit from this single-district educational continuity.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Zapata County
Total Enrollment
3,376
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Zapata County
ZAPATA COUNTY ISD
6 Public Schools in Zapata County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZAPATA H S | ZAPATA COUNTY ISD | 9–12 | High | 1,034 |
| ZAPATA MIDDLE | ZAPATA COUNTY ISD | 6–8 | Middle | 784 |
| ZAPATA NORTH EL | ZAPATA COUNTY ISD | PK–5 | Primary | 581 |
| ZAPATA SOUTH EL | ZAPATA COUNTY ISD | PK–5 | Primary | 467 |
| FIDEL AND ANDREA R VILLARREAL EL | ZAPATA COUNTY ISD | PK–5 | Primary | 449 |
| BENAVIDES EL | ZAPATA COUNTY ISD | PK–5 | Primary | 61 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,994
State avg $7,498
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Zapata County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Zapata County?
How much does Zapata County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Zapata County, Texas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Zapata County, Texas?
Zapata County operates under a single unified district, Zapata County ISD, which manages all six public schools for 3,376 students. The infrastructure is geared toward primary education, featuring four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This centralized system allows for streamlined transitions as students move through the grade levels.
How do schools in Zapata County perform academically?
The county maintains a graduation rate of 92.0%, which outperforms both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national rate of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending is lower than the state average at $5,994, the county still secures a 52.4 composite school score. These figures highlight the district's ability to maintain high completion rates despite tighter financial resources.
What are the major school districts in Zapata County, Texas?
Zapata County ISD serves as the sole provider for the county's 3,376 students, ensuring a consistent curriculum and shared community goals. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of the student population is enrolled in the local public district. This unity helps foster a strong sense of local identity and collective academic focus.
What is the school experience like in Zapata County?
The county splits its facilities between three town-based and three rural locations, with an average school size of 563 students. Zapata High School is a major hub with 1,034 students, making it the largest facility by a significant margin. Attending school here means being part of a larger, high-energy campus environment within a close-knit county structure.
How can I find homes near good schools in Zapata County, Texas?
With a graduation rate that beats the state average, Zapata County is an excellent choice for families seeking a unified and successful school system. The district's large campuses and high graduation success make it a focal point for home buyers in the region. Look for properties in the Zapata area to benefit from this single-district educational continuity.
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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.