Skip to content

< Back to East Waco Home

Schools in East Waco

East Waco is served by Waco Independent School District (WISD). The neighborhood's schools face significant challenges — Waco ISD received a D rating (score 63) from the TEA for 2024–25, its fourth consecutive D. East Waco campuses are among the most economically disadvantaged in the district.

Waco ISD District Overview

  • Enrollment: ~12,908 students (2026); down 13.6% since 2016
  • Demographics: 90% minority; 66.4% economically disadvantaged
  • TEA District Rating (2024–25): D (score 63)
  • Financial Rating: Superior (20th consecutive year — separate TEA metric)
  • Waco ISD was the first district in Texas to use Senate Bill 1882 to form an in-district charter with an outside organization (Transformation Waco, 2018–2024)

Elementary Schools

J.H. Hines Elementary School - Address: 301 Garrison St, Waco, TX 76704 - Grades: PK, K–5 - Enrollment: ~395 students - TEA Rating (2024): F (failing) — math proficiency 10–14%, reading proficiency 15–19% (vs. state averages of 44% and 51%) - Demographics: 99% economically disadvantaged - Was part of Transformation Waco (2018–2024); returned to WISD direct management 2024–25

Brook Avenue Elementary School - Address: 720 Brook Ave, Waco, TX 76708 - Grades: PK, K–5 - Enrollment: ~373 students (2023–24) - TEA Rating (2024): C — improved 20 points from prior year's "Improvement Required" (F equivalent) - Was part of Transformation Waco (2018–2024)

Middle School

G.W. Carver Middle School - Address: 1601 J.J. Flewellen Rd, Waco, TX 76704 - Grades: 6–8 - Enrollment: ~773 students (2023–24) - TEA Rating (2024–25): F — three consecutive failing years; at risk of TEA state intervention - Notes: The original building was destroyed by fire July 27, 2021; students temporarily merged with Indian Spring MS while a new building was constructed. Dedicated May 28, 2024. Named for George Washington Carver. Offers a Gifted & Talented program. Was part of Transformation Waco (2018–2024).

High School

Waco High School - Address: 2020 N. 42nd St., Waco, TX 76710 - Grades: 9–12 - Enrollment: ~1,704 students - TEA Rating (2024–25): D - Notes: Serves parts of East Waco via the WISD attendance zone; the new $157.1 million campus opened 2024.

Historic School: A.J. Moore High School (1875–1971)

A.J. Moore High School is one of the most significant institutions in East Waco's history:

  • Founded: 1875 by Professor Alexander James Moore, who began informal classes out of his home; became the official school for Black students in Waco under Moore's principalship (1881–1905)
  • Significance: The first high school for Black students in Waco; the only Waco school named after an individual. Served as the academic and cultural anchor of the Black community for nearly 100 years.
  • Key milestones: First graduating class 1886 (5 students); moved to a 35-classroom brick building at 600 S. First St. in 1923; served K–12 (1923–1952) then grades 7–12 (1952–1971)
  • Closure: Closed 1971 due to desegregation and urban renewal; building was demolished
  • Notable alumni: WWII hero Doris "Dorie" Miller (Navy Cross, 1942) — the first African American awarded the Navy Cross; plus 4,000+ graduates over its history who went on to law, medicine, education, and the military
  • A.J. Moore Academy (1997–2012): Reopened as a magnet high school at 500 N. University Parks Drive emphasizing business, engineering, and technology; consolidated with University High School in 2012
  • Texas State Historical Marker at the original site (600 S. First St.)

Magnet / Specialized Options (District-Wide, Open Enrollment)

  • Lake Air Montessori Magnet School — 4601 Cobbs Dr., Waco, TX 76710; PK3–8; highest-rated WISD campus; open by application district-wide
  • Paul Quinn College historic campus — Now home to Rapoport Academy, a public charter school at 900 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701; uses the original HBCU buildings

Sources