Katy ISD Outperforms State in 2025 TEA Ratings, Ranks #1 Among Texas’ Largest Districts
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its 2025 Accountability Ratings this month, and Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) once again distinguished itself statewide. With a score of 88, Katy ISD not only received a B rating for the third year in a row but also ranked highest among Texas’ 10 largest school districts.
The announcement came during the district’s August 18 Board Work Study meeting, where trustees reviewed the strong performance data.
This past spring, Katy ISD students outperformed peers across the state on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams:
- 18 points higher in Math
- 17 points higher in Reading/English
- 19 points higher in Science
- 20 points higher in Social Studies
“State standardized test scores are just one of several metrics by which we assess the academic preparedness of our students,” said Dr. Christine Caskey, Katy ISD chief academic officer. “These impressive results demonstrate the daily commitment of Katy ISD educators, support staff, parents and leaders working collaboratively to ensure all students receive a high-quality education.”
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Academic Growth Despite System Shifts
The district noted that while it is proud of its achievements, continuous improvement remains a priority. Through campus- and district-level data analysis, educators are identifying areas where additional support can help more students meet or exceed state benchmarks.
More than 60 Katy ISD campuses earned an A or B rating in the latest accountability cycle—reflecting success across elementary, middle, and high schools.
The TEA’s accountability system has faced scrutiny in recent years, especially after the delayed release of the 2023 ratings, which followed legal disputes over changes to the framework. Katy ISD, like many districts across Texas, expressed concerns that the evolving criteria created inconsistencies, as district ratings dropped from “A” to “B” despite steady or improved academic performance.
That debate has since reached the Texas Legislature, where state leaders are reviewing the role of the STAAR exam in measuring success. Education committees are exploring ways to refine accountability standards while reducing the heavy reliance on standardized testing.
A District Consistently Recognized
Katy ISD’s 2025 rating adds to a growing list of accolades. Earlier this year, the district was named the #1 Best School District in the Houston area by the independent ranking site Niche—an honor it has held for four consecutive years. Katy ISD also ranks in the top 10 districts statewide.
The district’s financial integrity remains equally strong. Katy ISD has received an “A” rating in the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for 22 consecutive years, underscoring its commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship.
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Serving a Rapidly Growing Community
With more than 97,000 students enrolled across 80 campuses, Katy ISD is one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas. Enrollment has been increasing by nearly 1,000 students each year as families continue moving into West Houston, Katy, and the surrounding communities.
To meet demand, the district has been purchasing land and planning new campuses, including both an elementary school and junior high scheduled for construction in the coming years. Katy ISD is also expanding its Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, adding programs in areas such as water operations licensing and real estate certification—preparing students for both college and career paths.
Community at the Heart of Success
For district leaders, the latest results are a milestone but also a reminder of the collaborative effort it takes to keep Katy ISD strong. As Dr. Caskey emphasized, the achievement reflects the daily partnership between teachers, staff, parents, and students, all working together to ensure educational excellence.
Katy ISD’s position at the top of Texas’ largest districts highlights not only academic progress but also the enduring strength of the community it serves.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
