For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 8,986 students in Hale County, TX (there are 1 private school, serving 116 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Hale County, TX are educated in public schools (compared to the TX state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hale County, TX are Abernathy Middle School, Cotton Center School and Abernathy Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hale County, TX public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Texas public school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Hale County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Texas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Texas public school average of 76% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Hale County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Abernathy Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
505 7th St
Abernathy, TX 79311
(806) 298-4921
Abernathy, TX 79311
(806) 298-4921
Gr: 6-8 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Cotton Center School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2345 Fm 179
Cotton Center, TX 79021
(806) 879-2176
Cotton Center, TX 79021
(806) 879-2176
Gr: PK-12 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Abernathy Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
505 7th St
Abernathy, TX 79311
(806) 298-4930
Abernathy, TX 79311
(806) 298-4930
Gr: PK-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Petersburg School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1411 W 4th
Petersburg, TX 79250
(806) 667-3585
Petersburg, TX 79250
(806) 667-3585
Gr: PK-12 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
Abernathy High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
505 7th St
Abernathy, TX 79311
(806) 298-4902
Abernathy, TX 79311
(806) 298-4902
Gr: 9-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #66.
Akin Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
N Ave K
Hale Center, TX 79041
(806) 839-2121
Hale Center, TX 79041
(806) 839-2121
Gr: PK-4 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #77.
Plainview High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1501 Quincy St
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6005
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6005
Gr: 9-12 | 1,418 student Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #88.
Carr Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
410 W 12th
Hale Center, TX 79041
(806) 839-2141
Hale Center, TX 79041
(806) 839-2141
Gr: 5-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #99.
Hale Center High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
411 Owl Dr
Hale Center, TX 79041
(806) 839-2452
Hale Center, TX 79041
(806) 839-2452
Gr: 9-12 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #1010.
Hale County Jjaep
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1200 Houston St
Plainview, TX 79073
(806) 291-5230
Plainview, TX 79073
(806) 291-5230
Gr: 6-11 | 18 students
Rank: n/an/a
800 Ennis St
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6035
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6035
Gr: PK-4 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: n/an/a
3300 Lexington St
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6060
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6060
Gr: PK-4 | 492 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: n/an/a
2501 Joliet St
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6020
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6020
Gr: 5-6 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: n/an/a
2200 W 20th St
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6015
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6015
Gr: 7-8 | 634 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: n/an/a
605 S Garland St
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6055
Plainview, TX 79072
(806) 293-6055
Gr: PK-4 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hale County, TX?
The top-ranked public schools in Hale County, TX include Abernathy Middle School, Cotton Center School and Abernathy Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hale County?
24 public schools are located in Hale County.
What percentage of students in Hale County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Hale County are educated in public schools (compared to the TX state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hale County?
Hale County public schools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Texas public schools average of 76% (majority Hispanic).
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