Serving 537 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Purcell Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 76% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 537 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TX
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Johnston Elementary serves the southern part of Abilene, TX, covering an area of approximately 1.9 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest distance to the edge of the attendance zone being about 3.1 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
Purcell Elementary School's student population of 537 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
537 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
School Rankings
Purcell Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Purcell Elementary School is 0.59, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6815 out of 8096 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
58%
54%
Black
16%
13%
White
22%
24%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.8%
23%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
79%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Jaguars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Purcell Elementary School's ranking?
Purcell Elementary School is ranked #6815 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
How many students attend Purcell Elementary School?
537 students attend Purcell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Purcell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Purcell Elementary School?
Purcell Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Purcell Elementary School offer ?
Purcell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Purcell Elementary School part of?
Purcell Elementary School is part of Abilene Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Purcell Elementary School located?
Purcell Elementary School is located in the Westwood Richland neighborhood of Abilene, TX. There are 1 other public schools located in Westwood Richland.
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