Spring ISD students demonstrated significant academic growth on the 2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End-of-Course (EOC) exams, posting some of the strongest year-over-year gains in the Houston region. Districtwide, Spring ISD achieved a combined 37-point increase in students performing at the Meets and Masters Grade Level standards, the highest year-over-year growth among Houston-area districts.

According to data released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), education nonprofit Good Reason Houston and reported by the Houston Chronicle, Spring ISD recorded substantial gains across all five End-of-Course exams:

• Algebra I: 74% of students achieved Approaches Grade Level, a 16-point increase from 2025. Forty percent of students achieved Meets and Masters Grade Level, representing a 15-point increase.
• English I: 60% of students achieved Approaches Grade Level, an 11-point increase. Forty percent achieved Meets and Masters Grade Level, up six points.
• English II: 61% of students achieved Approaches Grade Level, a six-point increase. Forty-five percent achieved Meets and Masters Grade Level, a nine-point increase.
• Biology: 89% of students achieved Approaches Grade Level, up four points, while 56% achieved Meets and Masters Grade Level, marking a remarkable 25-point increase from the previous year.
• U.S. History: 89% of students achieved Approaches Grade Level, the same as last year, while 56% achieved Meets and Masters, a five-point increase.

The results reflect a strong focus on high-quality instruction and a districtwide commitment to ensuring students not only pass state assessments, but also achieve at levels that prepare them for success beyond graduation.

“The progress we are seeing at Dekaney High School is a testament to the dedication of its students, teachers, campus leadership, and families,” said Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “Their hard work is translating into improved outcomes and creating new opportunities for students. Dekaney’s growth demonstrates what is possible when an entire school community is united around student success.”

The results reflect the district’s strategic focus on strengthening instruction, providing targeted academic support, and maintaining high expectations for all students. 

“These results belong to our community: our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and families,” said Cuellar. “Every gain represents countless hours of hard work, a commitment to excellence, and a shared belief that every child can succeed. Our students rose to the challenge, our educators remained focused on what matters most, and our families stood beside us as partners in learning. We are proud of this progress, and even more encouraged by the momentum we are building for the future.” 

The district’s growth was particularly evident at the high school level, where students made meaningful gains in core academic subjects that are critical to college, career, and military readiness.

Good Reason Houston specifically identified Spring ISD as one of the Houston-area districts leading year-over-year improvement in student achievement and pointed to the district’s growth in mathematics and reading as evidence that focused strategies can accelerate learning outcomes.

“Spring ISD’s growth this year stands out across the Houston region,” said Thomas Pich, Director of District Partnerships at Good Reason Houston. “Districts that build a culture of accountability at every level, from the classroom to central office, create the conditions for gains like these. Spring ISD is demonstrating what that looks like in practice.” 

All high schools showed increases — especially Dekaney, Westfield, and Spring — which implemented targeted interventions throughout the school year, including data-driven instruction, expanded academic supports, focused tutoring opportunities, and regular monitoring of student progress. These efforts helped ensure students received the support needed to succeed on rigorous state assessments. 

“This progress did not happen by chance,” Cuellar said. “It is the result of students working hard, teachers going above and beyond, and campus leaders creating cultures focused on achievement and opportunity. While we know there is a lot more work ahead, these results demonstrate that our efforts are making a difference for students.”

Cuellar emphasized that the gains are an important milestone, while reaffirming their commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring every student graduates prepared for success after high school. 

“We are celebrating progress because our students and staff have earned it,” Cuellar said. “At the same time, we know our mission is bigger than test scores. Our goal is to ensure every student graduates prepared for college, career, military service, and life. These results show we are moving in the right direction, and we will continue building on this momentum. But I want to make it clear that we still have a lot of work to do”.