The Texas Tribune has just rolled out a major update to its Public Schools Explorer, a free online tool that lets Texas families compare enrollment trends, demographics, teacher experience, pay, and student outcomes for every public school in the state. Updated on September 10, 2026, the site now includes the newest accountability data—A‑F ratings, student achievement indicators, and STAAR scores across four subjects—plus a more detailed breakdown of school‑district finances.
Why the tool matters for Texas families
With more than 5.5 million students enrolled in 9,113 schools across 1,202 districts, Texas has the second‑largest public‑school system in the nation. For parents, grandparents, and church communities seeking to make informed decisions about where their children learn, the Explorer offers a single, reliable source of state‑verified data. By presenting information on everything from the proportion of economically disadvantaged students (about 59.9% statewide) to teacher experience levels, the platform helps families assess whether a school aligns with their values of strong family support and academic excellence.
Key features of the latest update
- New A‑F accountability ratings for every campus, allowing quick comparison of school performance.
- Updated STAAR results in reading, math, science and social studies, giving a snapshot of student achievement.
- Expanded financial data, now broken into five categories so parents can see how districts allocate resources.
- Demographic breakdowns that show the racial and ethnic composition of each school, with Hispanic students comprising 53.1% of the statewide student body in 2025‑26.
- Historical trends spanning more than a decade, adjusted for inflation where appropriate, to illustrate long‑term progress.
How to use the Explorer
Visitors can search by school name, district, or ZIP code. Once a campus page loads, a “How it compares” section displays rankings at the state, regional, and peer‑district levels. Parents can also view neighboring districts on an interactive map, making it easier to evaluate alternatives without leaving the site.
Support for faith‑centered education
Many Texas families prioritize schools that uphold traditional values and provide a safe environment for children. The Explorer’s transparent data empowers faith‑based communities to identify schools that reflect those priorities, whether that means low rates of student disruption, strong parental‑involvement metrics, or robust curricula that respect family convictions.
Behind the data
The Texas Tribune relies on information supplied by the Texas Education Agency, which is rigorously reviewed and audited. While the Tribune does not alter the raw data, its visual‑analytics team—led by developer Rob Reid and supported by Jacob Fenton—adds helpful calculations, such as inflation‑adjusted financial figures and custom trend lines. Editorial oversight is provided by AmyJo Brown and Chris Essig, ensuring the presentation remains clear and unbiased.
Getting the data yourself
All datasets are publicly available on the Texas Education Agency’s Reports and Data page. Users can download state, regional, county, district, or campus‑level files for deeper analysis. The Explorer also offers a FAQ section that explains data sources, update schedules, and how the tool handles data integrity.
Community response
Early feedback from parents, teachers, and church leaders has been positive. Many appreciate the tool’s ability to surface financial transparency and academic performance side‑by‑side, allowing families to make decisions rooted in both fiscal responsibility and educational quality—principles that align with the values of strong, traditional families across Texas.
For more information, tips, or to suggest improvements, readers can contact the Texas Tribune’s education team at [email protected] or reach out to the data visuals team directly.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
