De Zavala Middle School

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Nestled in the heart of Pasadena, Texas, De Zavala Middle School stands as a vibrant educational institution that serves a diverse and dynamic student population. Located at 101 E Jackson Ave, this school has become a critical hub of learning for students in the Pasadena Independent School District, offering a unique educational experience for young learners.

School Demographics and Community

De Zavala Middle School is a testament to the rich cultural diversity of Pasadena. With a student body of 505 students, the school presents a remarkable demographic landscape. Notably, 95% of the students are Hispanic, reflecting the strong Latino community in the area. The school’s commitment to inclusive education is evident in its robust bilingual and English language learning programs, with 53.9% of students enrolled in these critical support services.

Academic Landscape and Challenges

The school faces significant educational challenges, as reflected in its recent accountability ratings. For the 2024-2025 school year, De Zavala Middle School received a D rating, indicating areas that require focused improvement. Key performance metrics highlight several important aspects:

• Student Achievement Rating: D
• School Progress Rating: C
• Closing the Gaps Rating: D

Student Support and Programs

Despite the challenges, De Zavala Middle School offers several supportive programs to enhance student learning and engagement:

• Bilingual/ESL Program: Supporting 53.9% of students
• Gifted and Talented Program: Serving 9.1% of students
• Special Education Services: Assisting 17.2% of the student population

Teaching Staff and Experience

The school boasts a diverse and experienced teaching staff. With 50 full-time equivalent teachers, the faculty represents a rich mix of backgrounds:

• Hispanic Teachers: 46%
• White Teachers: 42%
• African American Teachers: 10%
• Average Teacher Experience: 7.2 years

🍎 Note: The school maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of 10.1 students per teacher, allowing for more personalized attention.

Attendance and Engagement

One critical area of concern is the school’s chronic absenteeism rate. For the 2022-2023 school year, 25.2% of students were chronically absent, slightly above the statewide average of 20.3%. This highlights the ongoing challenge of keeping students consistently engaged in their education.

The leadership of Principal Melissa Garza continues to drive initiatives to improve student outcomes and create a supportive learning environment. With a commitment to preparing students for future academic and personal success, De Zavala Middle School remains a crucial institution in the Pasadena community.