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 Mission CISD School District (2026) - Mission, TX
Public School Review - Established 2003

Mission CISD School District

1201 Bryce Dr
Mission, TX 78572-4399
(District boundaries shown in map)
: 
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Tel: (956) 323-5500
www.mcisd.net

Top Rankings

Mission CISD School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Texas for:

Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 20%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 22 public schools serving 13,765 students in Mission CISD School District. This district's average testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
Public Schools in Mission CISD School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Texas public school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Texas public school average of 76% (majority Hispanic).

Overview

This School District
This State (TX)
# Schools
22 Schools
9,283 Schools
# Students
13,765 Students
5,544,466 Students
# Teachers
982 Teachers
369,214 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1

Student By Grade

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends

GradeMission CISD School DistrictTexas
Pre-K1,311227
Kind826296
1825311
2833321
3885334
4942333
5901333
6929333
71,027335
8996338
91,177378
101,061361
111,022337
121,030320
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

Mission CISD School District, which is ranked #892 of all 1,194 school districts in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 92% has increased from 91% over five school years.
Definition of Terms
This School District
State Average (TX)
#905 out of 1202 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

Overall School District Rank Trends

YearMission CISD School District
2023#905
2022#952
2021#1076
2019#519
2018#388
2017#712
2016#797
2015#837
2014#873
2013#895
2012#864
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

34%
44%

Math Proficiency Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
202334%44%
202229%41%
202115%37%
201950%51%
201849%49%
201776%78%
201672%75%
201570%73%
201472%76%
201374%78%
201280%83%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

41%
51%

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
202241%51%
202128%42%
201943%47%
201849%45%
201768%72%
201665%71%
201566%73%
201467%75%
201369%78%
201283%88%
201184%88%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

31%
46%

Science Proficiency Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
202231%46%
202121%43%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

92%
90%

Graduation Rate Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
202392%90%
202292%90%
202195%89%
201993%89%
201891%89%
201791%89%
201687%89%
201587%89%
201482%88%
201385%88%
201286%88%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.05
0.64

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
20240.050.64
20230.020.64
20220.020.64
20210.020.64
20200.020.63
20190.020.63
20180.010.64
20170.010.64
20160.010.63
20150.100.63
20140.020.63
20130.020.64
20120.020.64
20110.020.64
20100.020.64
20090.030.64
20080.030.64
20070.030.64
20060.030.64
20050.040.64
20040.040.64
20030.050.64
20020.050.64
20010.050.64
20000.050.65
19990.050.65
19980.060.65
19970.060.64
19960.070.64
19950.070.64
19940.070.64
19930.070.63
19920.070.63
19910.060.63
19900.080.63
19890.090.62
19880.080.62
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
n/a
6%
% Hispanic
98%
54%

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1988-2024)

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
202498%53%
202399%53%
202299%53%
202199%53%
202099%53%
201999%53%
2018100%52%
2017100%52%
2016100%52%
201592%52%
201499%52%
201399%51%
201299%51%
201199%50%
201099%49%
200999%48%
200899%47%
200798%46%
200698%46%
200598%45%
200498%44%
200398%43%
200298%42%
200198%41%
200098%40%
199998%39%
199898%38%
199798%38%
199697%37%
199597%36%
199497%36%
199397%35%
199297%35%
199197%34%
199096%33%
198996%33%
198896%32%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black
n/a
13%
% White
2%
24%

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2024)

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
20242%25%
20231%26%
20221%26%
20211%26%
20201%27%
20191%27%
20153%29%
20141%29%
20131%30%
20121%31%
20111%31%
20101%33%
20091%34%
20081%35%
20072%36%
20062%36%
20052%38%
20042%39%
20032%40%
20022%41%
20012%42%
20002%44%
19992%45%
19982%46%
19972%46%
19963%47%
19953%48%
19943%48%
19933%49%
19923%49%
19913%51%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $14,415 is higher than the state median of $13,352. The school district revenue/student has grown by 17% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $13,565 is less than the state median of $14,079. The school district spending/student has grown by 17% over four school years.
Definition of Terms
This School District
This State (TX)
Total Revenue
$198 MM
$74,029 MM

Total Revenues Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
2023$198 MM$14 MM
2022$189 MM$14 MM
2021$198 MM$14 MM
2020$189 MM$14 MM
2019$183 MM$13 MM
2018$176 MM$11 MM
2017$179 MM$11 MM
2016$181 MM$11 MM
2015$169 MM$9 MM
2014$169 MM$10 MM
2012$165 MM$9 MM
2011$166 MM$10 MM
2010$169 MM$9 MM
2009$159 MM$9 MM
2008$152 MM$8 MM
2007$142 MM$8 MM
2006$129 MM$7 MM
2005$120 MM$7 MM
2004$119 MM$6 MM
2003$117 MM$6 MM
2002$108 MM$6 MM
2001$100 MM$6 MM
2000$88 MM$6 MM
1999$82 MM$6 MM
1998$80 MM$6 MM
1997$76 MM$6 MM
1996$70 MM$6 MM
1995$66 MM$5 MM
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending
$187 MM
$78,063 MM

Total Expenditure Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
2023$187 MM$13 MM
2022$179 MM$13 MM
2021$187 MM$13 MM
2020$179 MM$13 MM
2019$172 MM$12 MM
2018$196 MM$11 MM
2017$189 MM$11 MM
2016$173 MM$11 MM
2015$159 MM$9 MM
2014$168 MM$10 MM
2012$147 MM$9 MM
2011$159 MM$9 MM
2010$159 MM$9 MM
2009$167 MM$9 MM
2008$176 MM$8 MM
2007$133 MM$8 MM
2006$125 MM$7 MM
2005$118 MM$7 MM
2004$114 MM$6 MM
2003$136 MM$6 MM
2002$118 MM$6 MM
2001$118 MM$6 MM
2000$106 MM$6 MM
1999$84 MM$6 MM
1998$78 MM$6 MM
1997$72 MM$6 MM
1996$68 MM$6 MM
1995$66 MM$5 MM
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student
$14,415
$13,352

Average Revenue Per Student Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
2023$13,682$15,640
2022$12,246$15,527
2021$13,189$15,800
2020$12,246$15,527
2019$11,749$14,104
2018$11,100$12,819
2017$11,265$13,668
2016$11,461$13,530
2015$10,987$12,250
2014$11,002$11,938
2012$10,525$11,792
2011$10,490$12,560
2010$10,976$12,250
2009$10,244$11,947
2008$9,739$11,503
2007$9,201$11,028
2006$8,708$10,357
2005$8,233$9,808
2004$8,456$9,347
2003$8,470$9,172
2002$8,196$8,890
2001$8,059$8,220
2000$7,227$8,183
1999$6,799$7,482
1998$6,785$7,282
1997$6,395$6,948
1995$5,563$6,375
1992$5,055$5,401
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student
$13,565
$14,079

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends

YearMission CISD School DistrictTexas
2023$12,876$14,776
2022$11,565$14,277
2021$12,412$14,927
2020$11,565$14,277
2019$11,064$13,432
2018$12,303$12,640
2017$11,919$13,337
2016$10,976$12,941
2015$10,303$12,682
2014$10,930$11,519
2012$9,388$11,195
2011$10,039$12,153
2010$10,292$12,682
2009$10,758$12,666
2008$11,273$11,542
2007$8,599$10,438
2006$8,429$9,999
2005$8,141$9,530
2004$8,083$9,298
2003$9,872$9,172
2002$9,004$8,828
2001$9,496$8,284
2000$8,644$8,055
1999$7,024$7,777
1998$6,643$7,202
1997$6,045$7,030
1995$5,554$5,816
1992$4,573$4,974
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best Mission CISD School District Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mission Collegiate High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
605 S Los Ebanos Rd
Mission, TX 78573
(956) 323-6120
Gr: 9-12 | 399 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #22.
Mims Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
200 E Two Mile Rd
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-4400
Gr: PK-5 | 673 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Hurla M Midkiff Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
4201 N Mayberry
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-7000
Gr: PK-5 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #44.
Bryan Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1300 Elm Dr
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-4800
Gr: PK-5 | 653 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Salinas Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
10820 N Conway Ave
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-6200
Gr: PK-5 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Ollie O'grady Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
810 W Griffin Pkwy
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-4200
Gr: PK-5 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Castro Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
200 S Mayberry
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-6800
Gr: PK-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
Hilda C Escobar/alicia C Rios Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3505 N Trosper Rd
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-8400
Gr: PK-5 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #99.
Cantu Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
920 W Main Ave
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-7400
Gr: PK-5 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1010.
Leal Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
318 S Los Ebanos Rd
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-4600
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1111.
Alton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
205 N Chicago
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-7600
Gr: PK-5 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1212.
Raquel Cavazos Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
803 S Los Ebanos Blvd
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-7200
Gr: PK-5 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1313.
Mission J High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
415 E 14th St
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-3300
Gr: 6-8 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1414.
Pearson Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
315 Holland Ave
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-4000
Gr: PK-5 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1515.
Marcell Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1101 N Holland
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-6400
Gr: PK-5 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1616.
White J High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1101 W Griffin Pkwy
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 831 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1717.
Carl C Waitz Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
842 W Saint Francis Ave
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-6600
Gr: PK-5 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1818.
Rafael A Cantu J High School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
5101 N Stewart Rd
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-7800
Gr: 6-8 | 591 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1919.
Alton Memorial J High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
521 S Los Ebanos Blvd
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-5000
Gr: 6-8 | 819 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2020.
Veterans Memorial High School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
700 E Two Mile Rd
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-3000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,737 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #2121.
Mission High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1802 W 18th St
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-5700
Gr: 9-12 | 2,154 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
Mission Early Learning
1201 Bryce Dr
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-5500
Gr: PK | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 92%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to Mission CISD School District?
Mission CISD School District manages 22 public schools serving 13,765 students.
What is the rank of Mission CISD School District?
Mission CISD School District is ranked #892 out of 1,194 school districts in Texas (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Texas school districts for: Highest graduation rate (Top 20%) and Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Mission CISD School District?
98% of Mission CISD School District students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Mission CISD School District?
Mission CISD School District has a student/teacher ratio of 14:1, which is lower than the Texas state average of 15:1.
What is Mission CISD School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $13,565 is less than the state median of $14,079. The school district spending/student has grown by 17% over four school years.

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 Facts (2026)

  • District size: 22 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 13,765 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 98%
  • : 92% (Top 20% in TX)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 41% (Btm 50%)
  • : 31% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education

Quick Links

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

Most Popular Articles

Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
 School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
 The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights
The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights

More Articles

Scholarships
Opinion
About Public Schools
Public School Jobs
Public School Policies