East Central Texas News

The majority of students in Anderson County school districts were white in the 2023-24 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Of the 8,874 students attending Anderson County schools, 52.6% were white. Hispanic students comprised the second-largest ethnic group in the county, making up 26.7% of the student body.

In the previous school year, white students were also the most represented group in Anderson County school districts, comprising 52.9% of the student body.

Elkhart ISD, Palestine ISD and Ut Tyler University Academy had the most diverse student body in the county, including white, American Indian, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and multiracial students.

In the 2023-24 school year, the total number of students enrolled in the county increased 0.5% compared to the previous year.

The main offices of all districts mentioned in the story are located in cities associated with Anderson County.

The Texas education system is currently torn between public schools and taxpayer-funded private schools.

Critics argue that private schools use funds that should go to the public school system, while private school advocates claim they’re offering better education for more Texas students.

Education in Texas is often a hot button issue, especially as test scores lag behind other states.

“The problems commonly cited are flaws in the school financing system, relatively low teacher salary, poor test performance by students…dropouts from traditional schools in favor of charter schools…gun violence, and mental health issues,” claimed the Texas Almanac.

District	Most prevalent ethnic group	Percent of Total Student Body	Total enrollment
Cayuga ISD	White	79.5%	589
Elkhart ISD	White	78.3%	1,197
Frankston ISD	White	74.4%	802
Neches ISD	White	74.5%	326
Palestine ISD	Hispanic	43.3%	3,247
Slocum ISD	White	87.3%	332
Ut Tyler University Academy	White	60.5%	1,016
Westwood ISD	White	48.1%	1,365