TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District has earned a B rating in the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) accountability ratings that were released to school districts on Wednesday (August 12).
Temple ISD’s B rating is one of the highest district ratings in the area, especially among districts comparable to Temple’s size and demographics. Temple High School received an A rating and Edwards Academy received an A rating for the third straight year. The district has five campuses that received B ratings. In addition to the district rating, TISD has multiple campuses that improved by a full letter grade in the latest rating. Most campuses in Temple ISD showed improvement and the district had not had a single failing school in many years. The district also earned 26 distinctions across various campuses in different subject areas, growth, and post-secondary readiness. The improvement in accountability ratings is not a surprise to Temple ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Ott. He says he has seen the hard work teachers and students put in every year he has been in the district.
“I am extremely proud of the academic success of our schools that is reflected in the latest TEA accountability ratings,” Ott said. “But I have been in Temple ISD classrooms for the last 15 years and I have seen excellent teaching and learning taking place throughout that time. No matter where the letter grades fall, Temple ISD continues to provide high-quality and rigorous academics that has been reflected in the success of our students.”
The district points to year after year of focusing on targeted improvements and growth as one reason for the increase in scores. That includes the use of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), strong instructional systems, teacher retention, supportive culture, and teacher capacity focused on monitoring student learning and providing supports to ensure student outcomes on state standards. The class of 2025 posted a four-year graduation rate of 97% with Edwards Academy recording a 100% graduation rate. The district has also seen a dramatic growth in its College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) score, climbing from 85% district-wide to 100% with the class of 2026. This will be reflected in next year’s accountability ratings.
“I know of no other high school in all of Texas that has a 100% College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) score,” Ott said. “Temple High School is a school of choice and destination when it comes to innovative programming and student opportunities. These results represent years of strategic planning and is one of many reasons why families choose Temple ISD and support our district. Our goal is to always meet our community’s expectations!”
“We have really focused on student growth and very rigorous instruction,” said Dr. Lisa Adams, Deputy Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership for Temple ISD. “Our teachers and staff support our students so that when they graduate, they are ready for whatever postsecondary plans they have, whether it is college, entering the workforce to start a career, or joining the military.”