Texas Elementary Joins Top 15% of Schools Statewide

A Texarkana elementary school just proved that excellence in education is alive and well in East Texas.

Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & Engineering Elementary has been named to the 2025 Texas Honor Roll, earning recognition as one of the top-performing public schools in the entire state. Out of more than 7,000 eligible schools across Texas, only 1,076 made the cut this year.

The Educational Results Partnership awards the Honor Roll annually based on hard data from state assessments spanning 2023 through 2025. Schools earn the distinction by demonstrating both strong academic outcomes and meaningful growth across diverse student populations.

For the educators at Morriss Elementary, the recognition represents years of dedication. Principal Patti O'Bannon credits the achievement to teachers, staff, and students working together to build a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.

Dr. Doug Brubaker, Superintendent of Texarkana ISD, noted that the honor highlights the daily commitment to academic excellence and innovation happening at the school. The campus specializes in mathematics and engineering, giving students a strong foundation in STEM subjects alongside reading, writing, and science.

The Ripple Effect

This recognition matters beyond one school's trophy case. Honor Roll schools serve as models for effective teaching practices that help close achievement gaps and accelerate learning for all students.

When schools demonstrate what works, other districts can learn and adapt those strategies. The success at Morriss Elementary shows that focusing on foundational skills while supporting every student can produce measurable results.

The Texas Honor Roll stands out as the only school recognition program based solely on objective student achievement data, presented in partnership with the Texas business community through the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence. This means the honor reflects real outcomes, not just promises.

For Texarkana families, the news confirms what many already suspected: their neighborhood school is doing something special.