The B-Rated Triumph: 7 Surprising Facts About Mary Austin Holley Elementary's Latest Academic Success

As of December 17, 2025, Mary Austin Holley Elementary School is celebrating a significant milestone: a Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability rating of 'B' (80-89), a testament to its commitment to student achievement, school progress, and closing performance gaps. This recent success story places the Fort Bend ISD (FBISD) campus in the spotlight, highlighting its effective educational strategies and dedicated community support in the Houston, TX, area. Serving students from Pre-K through 5th grade, Holley Elementary continues to focus on providing a comprehensive learning environment for its diverse student body. This deep dive offers the most current and essential information for parents, community members, and educators, moving beyond basic school profile data to explore the core elements driving the school's positive trajectory. We will examine the school's latest performance metrics, the robust programs in place, and the inspiring historical figure whose legacy of education and Texas history the school proudly honors.

The Legacy of Mary Austin Holley: Texas's First Female Historian

The school’s namesake, Mary Austin Holley (1784–1846), is a pivotal figure in early Texas history, and understanding her life provides a deep layer of topical authority to the school's mission. Her contributions extend far beyond a mere name on a building; she was an advocate for education and a chronicler of a nascent state.

Biography of a Texas Pioneer

• Full Name: Mary Phelps Austin Holley.
• Born: October 30, 1784, in New Haven, Connecticut.
• Died: August 2, 1846, in Louisiana.
• Key Relation: She was the cousin of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," a connection that drew her deep into the region's history and politics.
• Historical Significance: Holley is best known as the author of the first known English-language history of Texas.
• Major Work: *Texas* (published in 1833), later expanded in 1836 to include a historical, geographical, and descriptive account of the region. This work was crucial in promoting settlement and advocating for Texas independence and eventual statehood.
• Other Roles: She was also a land speculator and a prolific letter writer, providing invaluable first-hand accounts of life in 19th-century Texas.

Mary Austin Holley’s commitment to documenting and promoting the fledgling Republic of Texas mirrors the school's dedication to foundational learning and community pride. Her legacy serves as a daily inspiration for the Holley Hawks to become informed and engaged citizens.

Decoding the 'B' Rating: Academic Performance and Student Success

The most significant recent update for Mary Austin Holley Elementary is its official TEA Accountability Rating of 'B' (Recognized Performance), which reflects strong academic outcomes for the 2024-2025 school year. This designation is based on a comprehensive evaluation across three critical domains, providing a clearer picture than general rankings alone.

Domain 1: Student Achievement

This domain measures student performance on the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exams, indicating how well students master grade-level material. Holley Elementary’s performance here contributed significantly to its overall 'B' rating, signaling effective teaching and learning strategies across core subjects. The school is proactively managing the diverse needs of its student body, which includes a high percentage of students considered at risk of dropping out (approximately 66.2% as of 2023-2024 data), making this achievement even more commendable.

Domain 2: School Progress

School Progress assesses how students perform over time and compares their performance to that of students at similar schools. This domain highlights the school’s ability to drive academic growth and ensure that students are progressing regardless of their starting point. The 'B' rating confirms that Holley Elementary is making substantial strides in continuous improvement and moving students forward year over year.

Domain 3: Closing the Gaps

Perhaps the most challenging domain, Closing the Gaps, evaluates the performance of different student groups—such as racial/ethnic groups, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities—to ensure equitable outcomes. The school’s success in this area, which contributed to the 'B' rating, indicates a strong focus on equity and targeted intervention programs that support every student population. This is particularly relevant as the campus operates as a Title I, Part A school for Fiscal Year 2025, receiving federal funding to assist students from low-income families.

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Key Programs and Community Engagement at Holley Elementary

Mary Austin Holley Elementary, located at 16655 Bissonnet St in Houston, TX (part of the Fort Bend ISD), fosters a robust learning environment supported by dedicated staff and a highly involved community. The school's operational framework is designed to support the whole child, from early childhood education to after-school enrichment.

Leadership and School Environment

The campus is led by Principal Danielle Moss, who oversees the daily operations and strategic direction of the school. The school day runs from 8:05 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., a schedule designed to maximize instructional time. The school’s commitment to transparency and community communication is evident through its regular publication of the Holley Hawk Family Newsletter, keeping parents informed about upcoming events and academic focus areas.

Targeted Educational Programs

To support its diverse student body and its Title I status, Holley Elementary utilizes several key programs:

• Extended Learning Opportunities: The school offers Before and After School Programs to provide students with additional academic support, enrichment activities, and a safe, supervised environment outside of regular school hours.
• Pre-K3 Head Start: As part of the FBISD initiative, Holley Elementary is a campus that offers the Pre-K3 Head Start program, providing crucial early childhood education to prepare the youngest learners for kindergarten and beyond. This focus on early literacy and development is a cornerstone of its long-term success strategy.
• Fort Bend Education Foundation Grants: The school is a frequent recipient or applicant for grants from the Fort Bend Education Foundation, which provides funding for innovative teaching projects, classroom technology, and professional development for teachers. These grants help ensure the school remains on the cutting edge of educational resources.

The Role of the Community and LSI Entities

The success of the school is intrinsically linked to the broader Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) and the local community. The school's physical location near the Four Corners area of Houston makes it a vital neighborhood hub. Key entities that support the school’s mission include the FBISD Board of Trustees, the campus PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), and the numerous volunteers who dedicate their time to mentoring and supporting student activities.

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The school's 'B' rating is not just an academic score; it is a reflection of the collective effort of Principal Moss, the dedicated teaching staff, the engaged parents, and the historical spirit of progress embodied by Mary Austin Holley herself. The Holley Hawks are continuing a legacy of achievement and community strength, setting a high standard for elementary education in the region.