The Texas Education Agency has released its latest accountability ratings, with Van Alstyne ISD receiving an overall score of 87, or a B rating. The district's score decreased two points from its previous accountability rating.
While we are proud to celebrate two campuses that earned A ratings, we also recognize areas where our results did not meet the expectations we have for ourselves. As we begin the 2026 - 27 school year, several initiatives are already underway to address those areas and support continued student growth.
Celebrating Success at VAHS and VAJH
Van Alstyne High School earned a score of 96, receiving an A rating from TEA.
Strong STAAR performance, high graduation rates and success in College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) programs all contributed to the high school's rating.
Van Alstyne Junior High also earned an A rating with an overall score of 91, supported by strong student performance on STAAR assessments.
We are proud of the students and staff at both campuses for their hard work and commitment to academic success.
Addressing Areas for Growth
Our remaining campuses received C ratings. Those results are not where we want them to be, and improving student achievement and growth at those campuses will remain a priority throughout the 2026 - 27 school year.
The work to address those areas has already begun, with several changes being implemented across the district.
More instructional support in math and early literacy
At Van Alstyne Middle School, math courses are being double-blocked this year to provide students with additional instructional time and opportunities to master key concepts. The district has also added four experienced math teachers to the VAMS staff.
At the elementary level, new K - 2 reading and math coaching positions have been added to provide additional instructional support for teachers and students. The district has also strengthened early literacy resources with the addition of classroom decodable readers and instructional manipulatives.
More targeted support for individual student needs
Following a year of evaluation, the district has restructured its Emergent Bilingual and Gifted and Talented programs to provide more consistent and targeted support. An additional EB teacher and GT teacher have also been added.
Additional behavioral supports are being implemented at Sanford Elementary to help teachers maximize instructional time and better meet the needs of students.
Better data to measure growth and guide instruction
Beginning this year, VAISD is implementing MAP Growth assessments in grades K - 12. These assessments will provide teachers with another source of student data to identify areas of strength, pinpoint learning needs and monitor individual growth throughout the school year.
Students in grades 3 - 8 will also have access to Personalized Pathways in math and reading. Using MAP Growth data, the program creates individualized learning pathways based on each student's current level of understanding and areas for growth.
Teachers and campus leaders have received training on these new tools, with additional professional development planned throughout the year to help staff effectively use the information to guide instruction.
Strengthening alignment across VAISD
The district has also implemented comprehensive systems training designed to strengthen K - 12 alignment, establish more consistent processes and create greater coherence in instruction and district operations.
The opening of Williams Elementary provides another opportunity to support student learning. The new campus and additional teaching positions will help distribute the district's growing elementary enrollment across three campuses and provide educators with greater opportunities to meet individual student needs.
Moving Forward
Student growth remains at the center of our work.
Accountability ratings provide one measure of how our students and campuses are performing, and we believe it is important to be transparent about both our successes and the areas where improvement is needed.
We are proud of the accomplishments of Van Alstyne High School and Van Alstyne Junior High, but we also recognize that there is work ahead.
The strategies being implemented for the 2026 - 27 school year are designed to provide our teachers with stronger instructional resources, better information about student learning and additional support to meet students where they are.
Our goal is not simply to improve an accountability rating. Our goal is continued growth for every student; and we believe that work will ultimately be reflected in stronger results across Van Alstyne ISD.