Harlandale ISD demonstrated continued academic progress in the Texas Education Agency’s 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings, improving its overall score by five points and moving from a D (69) in 2025 to a C (74) in 2026.
The results mark an important step forward for Harlandale ISD and continue an upward trend in the District’s academic performance. The progress reflects the focused work taking place across campuses to improve student achievement and support academic growth.
While accountability ratings provide one measure of academic performance, a single score or letter grade represents only one part of the work taking place across Harlandale ISD every day. Behind the five-point increase are students strengthening critical academic skills, teachers creating engaging learning experiences, campus leaders providing focused instructional leadership and staff across the District working together to support student success.
“This improvement matters because it shows we are moving in the right direction and the work happening across our District is making a difference for our students,” Harlandale ISD Superintendent Mr. Gerardo Soto said. “We are proud of the progress we have made, but our work does not stop here. We will continue building on this momentum, raising expectations and making strides to ensure every student we serve has the opportunities they deserve.”
The Texas A-F Accountability System evaluates districts and campuses using measures that include Student Achievement, School Progress and Closing the Gaps. The system considers STAAR performance and academic growth, as well as graduation rates and College, Career and Military Readiness at the high school level.
The District credits this year’s improvement to the collective efforts taking place throughout Harlandale ISD. Teachers continue to provide targeted instruction and support in the classroom, while campus leadership teams and District departments provide professional learning, coaching, resources and data-driven support to strengthen student achievement.
Most importantly, Harlandale ISD recognizes the students whose hard work is reflected in this year’s results, along with the parents and families who support their learning throughout the year.
Although the District is encouraged by the progress reflected in the 2026 ratings, Harlandale ISD remains focused on continued improvement. District and campus leaders will use this year’s results to identify areas for additional growth, strengthen instructional practices and build on strategies that are producing positive outcomes for students.
Beyond the progress reflected in this year’s ratings, student success can be seen throughout Harlandale ISD in Career and Technical Education programs, fine arts, athletics, extracurricular activities and college and career preparation. For some students, that success has meant graduating with industry-based certifications or stepping directly into careers, including graduates who have secured electrical apprenticeship positions with IES Commercial, allowing them to earn a living while continuing their training.
Harlandale ISD remains committed to maintaining high expectations for student achievement while ensuring teachers and campuses have what they need to continue moving the District forward.
“Our responsibility goes far beyond a letter grade,” Soto said. “We want our students to leave our District prepared to pursue whatever path they choose after graduation. That is ultimately what success looks like for our students.”