Royse City Independent School District Receives Top “A” Grade

At the start of the new school year, Royse City Independent School District (RCISD) received excellent news from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Not only had it earned an “A” rating as a district for the 2021-2022 school year, but its schools were awarded a total of 14 distinctions for academic achievement.

TEA is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education and works to improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. TEA rates Texas public and charter schools on an A-F scale based on various indicators, including student achievement, school progress, and success in closing achievement gaps.

The distinctions earned by RCISD's schools were as follows: 

• “Comparative Academic Growth”: Royse City High and Cherry Elementary 
• Reading/ELA: Bobby Summers Middle  
• Social Studies: Bobby Summers Middle 
• Science: Davis Elementary and Vernon Elementary 
• Math: Scott Elementary and Cherry Elementary
• “Post-secondary Readiness”: Royse City High, Davis Elementary, and Vernon Elementary 
• “Comparative Closing the Gaps”: Davis Elementary, Scott Elementary, and Herndon Elementary

“For each distinction earned, the Royse City ISD campus was in the top 25 percent of their campus comparison list,” said Dr. Amy Anderson, Chief Academic Officer, Royse City ISD. The number of distinctions earned is evidence of our focus on individual student success. These distinctions are because of the amazing efforts of our teachers focusing on the growth of every child.”

“Royse City ISD is about relationships,” said Dr. Anderson. “You can find local validation by visiting any of our schools. Externally, we have been named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase District for three years in a row. We know that in order to reach a student’s mind, you must first reach their heart. Every decision, from boardroom to classroom, is meant to be about what is best for students.” 

Royse City ISD’s “A” rating is up from the “B” rating it received for the 2018-2019 school year. Due to disruptions from COVID-19, TEA did not issue ratings for the 2020-2021 or 2019-2020 school years.

When asked about the improvement, Dr. Anderson responded, “Our educators rise to the challenges set forth by the Texas Education Agency. We know that state testing is one of many tools that help assess student achievement and growth. Being an A-rated school district can be attributed to professional development, data-informed instructional decisions, and a focus on individual student success.” 

Royse City ISD has recently celebrated the dedication of the Glenda Arnold Early Childhood Learning Center, which replaced the original Ruth Cherry Elementary, and the opening of the new Ruth Cherry Elementary School.

“Royse City ISD recently had the joy of hosting two special school dedications,” said Dr. Anderson. “The construction of a new, larger Ruth Cherry Elementary allowed the district to form its first ever fully dedicated early childhood campus dedicated in memory of Mrs. Glenda Arnold. In my time here, I’ve learned that educators like Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Cherry laid the foundation for the success we’re seeing today. Seeing so many people attend the dedications is evidence of how much these individuals are valued and respected in the community.” 

“Our school district spans 77 square miles,” continued Dr. Anderson. “We are blessed with great relationships with Royse City and Fate. People choose to move to our area because of the small town feel and the quality of schools. Partnering with our cities is a priority as we grow together and grow with purpose. From developing academic pathways to support local industry to growth planning, we make decisions to help one another. Together, we can provide an amazing school experience for children and an amazing quality of life for residents.” 

Royse City Community Development Corporation

Royse City CDC recognizes that a desirable quality of life is an economic driver. It’s a must for workforce attraction and boosts businesses and revenue. Discover more about Royse City and how the CDC customizes its approach for each and every business by contacting the Royse City CDC Executive Director, Charles Houk, at (469) 652-0723 or cdcdirector@roysecity.com. Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Nextdoor.