The 2026 STAAR test results for San Antonio's largest high school districts reveal a mixed bag of outcomes, with some schools performing above state averages and others falling below. This year's data provides a comprehensive look at student performance across five key subjects: Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2, and U.S. History.
One of the most striking findings is the disparity between North East ISD and Northside ISD, both of which scored above the state's passing rates in all five subjects. This indicates a strong foundation of knowledge and skills among students in these districts. In contrast, San Antonio ISD's passing rates on all five exams were below state averages, suggesting areas for improvement.
The data also highlights the importance of context. Region 20, which includes 58 districts in and around Bexar County, had the same passing rate as the state average on all five exams. This suggests that while some schools are performing well, others are struggling, and there may be systemic issues at play.
A closer look at the specific scores reveals some interesting trends. For example, in Algebra 1, North East ISD had a lower percentage of students who did not meet the standard (13%) compared to San Antonio ISD (25%). However, Northside ISD had a slightly higher percentage of students who did not meet the standard (15%) compared to San Antonio ISD (25%). This suggests that while North East ISD is performing well, Northside ISD may need to focus on improving student performance in this subject.
In English 1, San Antonio ISD had a significantly higher percentage of students who did not meet the standard (46%) compared to North East ISD (24%) and Northside ISD (22%). This indicates that students in San Antonio ISD may be struggling more with this subject. Conversely, in English 2, San Antonio ISD had a lower percentage of students who did not meet the standard (42%) compared to North East ISD (23%) and Northside ISD (21%). This suggests that students in San Antonio ISD may be making progress in this subject.
The U.S. History exam revealed a slight decrease in the percentage of students who passed the test in Texas, from 94% in 2025 to 93% in 2026. However, the rate of students who mastered the test remained the same (37%). This suggests that while more students are passing the test, they may not be fully mastering the subject matter.
In conclusion, the 2026 STAAR test results provide a valuable insight into the performance of San Antonio's largest high school districts. While some schools are performing well, others are struggling, and there may be systemic issues at play. The data highlights the importance of context and the need for a comprehensive approach to improving student performance. As we move forward, it will be crucial to identify the specific factors that are contributing to the success or failure of each district and take targeted action to address these issues.
