Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in 78501 (Mcallen, TX) (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 78501 Texas Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 21 public schools serving 13,965 students in 78501, TX (there are 4 private schools, serving 730 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in 78501, TX are educated in public schools (compared to the TX state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in 78501, TX are Achieve Early College High School, Milam Elementary School and Thigpen-zavala Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 78501 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Texas public school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in 78501, TX have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Texas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Texas public school average of 76% (majority Hispanic).

Best 78501, TX Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Achieve Early College High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1601 N 27th St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4200
Gr: 9-12 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
Milam Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
3800 N Main St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4333
Gr: PK-5 | 811 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #33.
Thigpen-zavala Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2500 Galveston Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4377
Gr: PK-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #44.
Cathey Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1800 N Cynthia
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4300
Gr: 6-8 | 827 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #55.
Horizon Montessori - Stem Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
320 N Main St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 631-0234
Gr: PK-8 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
Idea Mcallen College Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
201 N Bentsen Rd
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 429-4100
Gr: 6-12 | 820 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #77.
Idea Mcallen Academy
Charter School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
201 N Bentsen Rd
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 429-4100
Gr: K-5 | 738 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #88.
Jackson Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
501 Harvey
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4277
Gr: PK-5 | 548 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #99.
Mcauliffe Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3000 Daffodil Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4400
Gr: PK-5 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1010.
Lamar Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1009 N 10th St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 632-3222
Gr: 10-12 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1111.
Memorial High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
101 E Hackberry Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 632-5201
Gr: 9-12 | 2,021 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1212.
Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1200 Hackberry St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4525
Gr: PK-5 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1313.
Seguin Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2200 N 29th St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4565
Gr: PK-5 | 530 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1414.
Rowe High School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2101 N Ware Rd
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 632-5100
Gr: 9-12 | 1,905 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1515.
Alvarez Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2606 Gumwood Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4471
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Rank: #1616.
Mcallen High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2021 La Vista Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 632-3100
Gr: 9-12 | 2,134 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1717.
Fields Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
500 W Dallas Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4344
Gr: PK-5 | 443 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1818.
Travis Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
600 Houston St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4242
Gr: 6-8 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1919.
Triumph Public High Schools-mcallen
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
200 N 17th St
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 618-2308
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: n/an/a
Instr/guid Center
Alternative School
2604 Galveston Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 971-4393
Gr: 6-11 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
Southwest Key Program
Alternative School
3900 N 23rd
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 618-6031
Gr: 9 | 1 student

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 78501, TX?
The top-ranked public schools in 78501, TX include Achieve Early College High School, Milam Elementary School and Thigpen-zavala Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 78501?
21 public schools are located in 78501.
What percentage of students in 78501 go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in 78501 are educated in public schools (compared to the TX state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in 78501?
78501 public schools minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Texas public schools average of 76% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (TX):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
 Texas Top-Ranked Public Schools
Texas Top-Ranked Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
 Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
 School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes

More Articles

Opinion
Evaluating Public Schools
Parenting and Learning Issues
Scholarships
About Public Schools