Evaluating Public Schools

Texas Schools: Enrollment Skyrockets in 2025

Texas has long been a bellwether for national education trends, and in 2025, its public schools continue to grow and evolve at a remarkable pace. Statewide enrollment remains above 5.5 million students, making Texas the second-largest public education system in the country. But beyond raw numbers, new policies, demographic shifts, and virtual learning options are reshaping how students and families experience education across the state.

This article examines the latest enrollment data, funding changes, and program impacts, offering insights for parents, educators, and policymakers navigating this period of rapid transformation.

Enrollment Growth and Diversity

As of the 2023–24 school year, 5,517,464 students attended Texas public schools. The student body continues to diversify, reflecting broader population trends across the state:

• Hispanic students represent just over 53% of enrollment.

• White students account for roughly 25%, followed by African American students at about 13%, with smaller percentages for Asian, American Indian, and multiracial populations.

• Nearly 62% of students are economically disadvantaged, the highest percentage in state history.

• Almost one in four students is classified as an English Learner, and 14% receive special education services.

These demographic realities shape every facet of Texas education, from curriculum design to teacher recruitment and student support systems.

Policy and Funding in 2025 House Bill 2: A Record Investment

In June 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 (HB 2), an $8.5 billion public education package—the largest new investment in Texas schools in over a decade. The bill funds

Class Size in Public Schools: Does It Really Matter for Learning?

Few topics generate as much debate among educators and parents as class size in public schools. The question is straightforward: Does the number of students in a classroom truly affect learning outcomes? Yet the answer remains complex.

Class size in public schools has long been viewed as a proxy for educational quality. Parents often equate smaller classes with more personalized attention, while policymakers weigh the financial and logistical challenges of reducing student-teacher ratios. In 2025, as districts balance post-pandemic recovery, equity initiatives, and technology-driven instruction, the conversation around class size is more relevant than ever.

This article explores what research tells us, what has changed in recent years, and how families should think about class size in public schools when evaluating options.

Why Class Size Matters in Public Schools Personalized Attention and Engagement

The most obvious benefit of smaller class size in public schools is the increased opportunity for individual student attention. Teachers can monitor progress more closely, provide targeted feedback, and adapt lessons to diverse learning needs.

Smaller classes also promote:

• Higher student engagement in discussions

• Stronger relationships between teachers and students

• More active participation, especially among shy or struggling learners

Behavior and Classroom Management

In larger classes, teachers often spend more time managing behavior than delivering instruction. By contrast, smaller class size in public schools allows for smoother classroom routines, quicker conflict resolution, and a more supportive environment for social-emotional growth.

What Research Says

What Does a Typical Day Look Like in Public School?

For many families, choosing between public and private schools comes down to a question of fit. While private and boarding schools often publish sample daily schedules, families exploring public school options may wonder: What does a typical day in public school actually look like in 2025?

Public school life varies by district, grade level, and state regulations, but most schools in the United States follow a structured pattern designed to balance academic instruction, social development, and extracurricular opportunities. This article breaks down a standard day in public school, while also highlighting how schedules are evolving in response to new technology, post-pandemic changes, and growing awareness of student well-being.

The Structure of a Public School Day Start Times and Morning Routines

Most public schools in the U.S. begin between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Elementary schools often start earlier, while middle and high schools have been shifting later in recent years. In 2025, more districts have adopted later high school start times, reflecting research from the American Academy of Pediatrics showing that adolescents benefit from additional morning sleep.

A typical morning includes:

• Arrival and homeroom or advisory check-in

• Announcements, attendance, and pledge (in many schools)

• First academic block, often English or math

Class Periods and Core Subjects

Public school schedules are usually broken into six to eight periods of 40–60 minutes each. Some districts use block scheduling, with four longer classes rotating every other day.

Core subjects include:

• English

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System in 2025

Introduction

American public education is at a crossroads. Once hailed as a global standard, the system today faces deep, structural problems that undermine its ability to deliver on its promise of equity and opportunity. From worsening academic performance to chronic underfunding, the failures of the American public education system are not isolated issues but interconnected challenges.

In 2025, the stakes have never been higher. Recent changes within the U.S. Department of Education, demographic shifts, and a surge in private school enrollment have all placed new pressures on public schools. This article examines 15 of the most pressing failures, updated with the latest data and examples, and provides a roadmap for parents and educators seeking context.

1. Academic Decline

The most visible failure is academic performance. According to the 2024 NAEP “Nation’s Report Card,” 12th graders posted the lowest reading results in more than three decades, with over 30% unable to demonstrate basic proficiency. Math scores also plunged, with nearly half of students unable to perform fundamental operations (Reuters).

This crisis affects college readiness, workforce preparation, and global competitiveness. As we outlined in our Private vs. Public Schools: 2025 Guide, many families are seeking alternatives due to these declines.

2. Widening Achievement Gaps

Beyond raw scores, the disparities between high- and low-performing students have widened. NAEP science data revealed the largest gap in 25 years among eighth graders,

10 Advantages to Public Education in 2025

Introduction

Public schools remain the cornerstone of American education, serving nearly 50 million students nationwide. While recent years have brought challenges—such as test score declines reported in the 2024 NAEP “Nation’s Report Card”—the system still provides enduring benefits. These advantages to public education continue to support families, build communities, and prepare students for future success.

Below, we explore 10 key advantages of public education in 2025, drawing from the latest data, expert perspectives, and real-world examples.

1. Universal Access at No Tuition Cost

Perhaps the greatest advantage to public education is that it is available to all children at no direct cost to families. Unlike private or parochial schools, which can charge tuition upwards of $15,000–$25,000 per year, public schools are funded primarily by state, local, and federal governments.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), roughly 49.6 million students were enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools in fall 2022. That represents about 90% of the school-age population—making public schools the most accessible educational option in the country (NCES).

This universal access not only reduces financial burden on families but also ensures that every child has the right to a baseline of quality education, regardless of socioeconomic status.

2. Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom

Public schools reflect the communities they serve, making them hubs of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity. This is one of the most meaningful advantages to public education,