EAST Texas (KLTV) – The Texas Education Agency released its 2026 A-F accountability ratings Thursday for public school districts and campuses across the state, with several East Texas districts earning high marks and at least one sliding back from last year.
The TEA rated 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses statewide. The ratings are based on three categories: student achievement, school progress and closing learning gaps.
Top performers in East Texas
Lindale ISD earned an A rating for the second consecutive year. Superintendent Stan Surratt credited students, teachers and community support for the result.
“We have a great combination. We have super sharp kids, dedicated and skilled teachers, and a super supportive parents and community,” Surratt said. “So that combination, it tends to have great success.”
Surratt said reading mastery remains a focus area for the district going into the new school year. Whitehouse ISD and Spring Hill ISD also earned A ratings.
Tyler and Longview ISDs earn B ratings
Tyler ISD earned a B, moving up two points from last year. Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said the gain reflects sustained effort across the district.
“We’ve come a long way. We’ve still got some gaps that we need to work on but we’re celebrating today that we went up two points,” Crawford said. “It’s hard to get two points when you talk about the thousands of tests that we proctor.”
Crawford said reading performance at the elementary level saw a step back after several years of improvement, while math showed gains. Tyler ISD is the largest school system in East Texas.
Longview ISD also earned a B rating.
Chapel Hill ISD drops to C
Chapel Hill ISD fell from a B to a C this year. Executive Director of Curriculum Dr. Jennifer Bailey said the district has a plan in place for the coming school year.
“We have a very clear, specific plan of action. And we are looking forward to the opportunity this school year to close any gaps,” Bailey said.
Bailey said the district does not define itself by a single letter grade and pointed to distinctions earned by Chapel Hill High School in science and U.S. history, and by Jackson Elementary in reading and math. She said the district’s focus is on growth across all subject areas and all students.
Reading gaps a statewide concern
Nationally, fewer than one in three students read at grade level. Forty percent of fourth graders fall below the basic reading level. In Texas, third-grade reading scores dipped this past spring.
Statewide, 24% of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025. In total, 85% of campuses that received an A-F rating achieved acceptable academic performance — a C or above.
Parents can view ratings for all campuses at here.
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