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Donna ISD’s A.P. Solis Middle School Named Among Texas’ Best by U.S. News & World Report
The Donna Independent School District is proud to announce that A.P. Solis Middle School, the district’s top-ranked middle school, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Middle Schools in the State of Texas. This prestigious recognition underscores the campus’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Principal Mary Lou Rodriguez, who has led the campus for 14 years, celebrated the achievement as a testament to the school’s collaborative culture and steadfast dedication to student outcomes. “This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families in achieving academic excellence,” Rodriguez shared. “I credit the incredible partnership we have with our school community and parents. We all share the same vision and goals: to ensure success for every student. With the support of our administration, we work together to create a safe and academically thriving environment.”
Rodriguez reflected on the school’s long-standing record of excellence, noting that A.P. Solis Middle School has consistently earned the highest accolades from the Texas Education Agency for academic performance. “When the TEA previously awarded stars for academic performance, our campus achieved the highest rating of six stars. This trajectory has become part of our identity, and we’ve worked diligently to maintain and build on this momentum,” she said.
Rodriguez also emphasized the welcoming and nurturing environment that sets A.P. Solis Middle School apart. “Every morning, we tell our students, ‘Welcome back to the best place on Earth, where we make dreams come true for each and every one of you.’ This is not just a statement—it’s a promise we strive to fulfill daily.”
The U.S. News & World Report ranking is based on multiple factors, including student-teacher ratios, academic proficiency, and the socioeconomic diversity of the school. Factors contributing to A.P. Solis Middle School’s recognition include:
· Student-teacher ratio of 12:1
· Math and reading proficiency rates of 43%.
· 100% minority student enrollment, with 93% of students classified as economically disadvantaged.
Superintendent Dr. Angela Dominguez praised the school’s achievement as a reflection of Donna ISD’s overarching commitment to educational excellence. “We couldn’t be prouder of A.P. Solis Middle School for this remarkable accomplishment,” Dr. Dominguez said. “This recognition is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, vision, and an unwavering dedication to our students. A.P. Solis Middle School exemplifies the district’s mission of building a legacy of academic success for all.”
As the district celebrates this milestone, Donna ISD reaffirms its commitment to providing the tools, resources, and support necessary to ensure that every student reaches their full potential. A.P. Solis Middle School’s recognition is not just an achievement for the campus but for the entire Donna ISD community.