84 Texas School Districts Earn 'Star Status' for Excellence

Three school districts in East Texas are celebrating a major win: their students are thriving, their teachers are making measurable impact, and the numbers prove it.

Lindale ISD, Whitehouse ISD, and UT Tyler University Academy have earned spots on the 2025 Texas Honor Roll. The state list recognizes 84 districts and 1,076 individual schools that demonstrate high student achievement and success in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

For a decade, the Educational Results Partnership has tracked student test scores to find schools that work. Their goal is simple: spotlight what's working so other educators can learn from success stories.

Within these three districts, 16 individual campuses also made the list. Lindale placed five schools on the Honor Roll, including its high school and junior high. Whitehouse celebrated six campus honors, while Tyler ISD earned recognition for four schools.

The accolades come from real results. Students at these campuses performed exceptionally well on state standardized tests from 2023 through 2025, showing consistent academic growth.

The Ripple Effect

Behind every data point is a classroom where something special is happening. At Andy Woods Elementary, Principal Georgeanna Jones says the recognition reflects how the entire school community shares in each student's success.

Early College High School Principal Amanda Hortman credits her "tireless staff and students who choose to put first things first, every day." For her, the award confirms what she already knew about her team's dedication.

At Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School, students are mastering content in two languages. Principal Mina Naranjo says the honor validates their commitment to innovative, culturally responsive teaching that meets students where they are.

Owens Elementary Principal Brandy Baker sees the award as proof that high expectations paired with strong family partnerships create meaningful outcomes. The recognition affirms that their approach is working for every learner who walks through their doors.

Lindale Superintendent Stan Surratt called the achievement "a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff." Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said the results reflect district-wide commitment to academic excellence and strong instructional practices.

These schools prove that closing achievement gaps isn't just possible—it's happening right now in East Texas classrooms.