5 Key Reasons Bonham Elementary In Harlingen, TX Is Earning An 'A-' For Academics In 2025
Bonham Elementary School in Harlingen, Texas, continues to be a focal point for educational excellence within the Rio Grande Valley. As of the current academic year, December 22, 2025, the school, part of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD), stands out for its strong academic performance, community-focused environment, and commitment to individualized student growth. The school’s dedication to cultivating college, career, and military-ready students is evident in its latest performance metrics and the diverse range of specialized programs it offers to its student body.
The latest data confirms Bonham Elementary's strong standing, showcasing an overall Texas Education Agency (TEA) Accountability Rating of 'B' and an impressive 'A-' grade for Academics from independent review platforms. This high performance is a direct result of the campus leadership, dedicated faculty, and the effective implementation of HCISD’s world-class curriculum. This article dives deep into the specific programs, leadership, and community initiatives that make Bonham Elementary a premier choice for Pre-K through 5th-grade education in Cameron County.
Bonham Elementary School: At-a-Glance Profile and Leadership
Bonham Elementary is a cornerstone of the Harlingen community, named after the Texas hero, James Butler Bonham. The school’s history is rooted in a commitment to service and excellence, a tradition that continues under its current administration. The campus is strategically located to serve a diverse student population, ensuring access to high-quality education for all families in the area.
- School Name: Bonham Elementary School
- District: Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD)
- Address: 2400 E Jefferson Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550
- Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) through 5th Grade
- Principal: Mrs. Herminia Ramirez
- Student Enrollment (2023-2024): Approximately 527 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- TEA Accountability Rating: B (Good)
- Niche Academics Grade: A- (Above Average)
Principal Herminia Ramirez has been a driving force behind the school's recent successes, fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes personal goal setting and academic achievement. Her leadership aligns with the broader HCISD mission to promote engaged learning in a safe environment, preparing students for 21st-century success. Her dedication to the campus is reflected in her long-standing tenure and reported commitment to high standards.
The 5 Pillars of Bonham Elementary's Academic Excellence
Bonham Elementary’s robust academic performance is not accidental; it is built upon several specific, data-driven programs and curriculum focuses that address the needs of its diverse student body. The school’s 'B' TEA rating and 'A-' Academics grade are metrics that validate the effectiveness of these five key pillars.
1. High-Performing Reading and Math Proficiency Scores
A primary indicator of the school's strength lies in its core subject proficiency. The latest data reveals encouraging results that place Bonham above many comparable Texas schools. The focus on foundational literacy and numeracy is clear, with a dedicated push across all grade levels to meet and exceed state standards.
- Reading Proficiency: 59% of students are proficient in Reading, a critical benchmark for future academic success.
- Math Proficiency: 41% of students are proficient in Mathematics, demonstrating a solid foundation in computational and problem-solving skills.
These figures demonstrate the faculty's success in implementing effective teaching methodologies and providing targeted intervention for students who require additional support. The school's commitment to individualized learning opportunities is crucial in achieving these outcomes.
2. Robust Bilingual and ESL Program Support
Serving the Harlingen community, Bonham Elementary places a high value on supporting its Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. The school is a key provider of the district’s required bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) program. This focus on global learning through the incorporation of multiple languages is a defining characteristic of the campus.
As of the last reported data, over 12.7% of the student population is enrolled in the bilingual and ESL programs. This significant investment in language acquisition ensures that students are not only learning English but are also cultivating a foundation in multiple languages, preparing them for a globalized future. This commitment to multilingualism is a major contributor to the school's high Academics grade.
3. Specialized Programs: Gifted & Talented and Special Education
Bonham Elementary is dedicated to serving the full spectrum of student needs through specialized, high-quality instruction. The school’s capacity to identify and nurture advanced learners while providing comprehensive support for students with disabilities is a testament to its inclusive and rigorous environment.
- Gifted and Talented Program: Approximately 6.83% of students are identified and served in the Gifted and Talented program, offering accelerated and enriched curriculum to challenge high-achieving learners.
- Special Education Program: A significant portion, about 12.90% of students, are enrolled in the Special Education program, receiving tailored instruction and resources designed to meet their unique learning goals.
The balanced approach to both enrichment and support ensures that every student, regardless of their learning profile, has a pathway to success within the Harlingen CISD framework.
4. The HCISD and Holdsworth Center Leadership Initiative
Bonham Elementary benefits directly from the district’s commitment to world-class leadership development. The Harlingen CISD is one of a select number of Texas school districts chosen to participate in the prestigious Holdsworth Center program. This initiative focuses on developing strong campus leaders, which directly impacts the quality of instruction and the culture at Bonham.
The involvement of Bonham campus leaders, such as Judi Peters, in the Holdsworth program highlights a dedication to continuous improvement and best practices in educational administration. This focus on leadership capacity building ensures that the school is constantly adapting and implementing the most effective strategies to promote student growth and teacher retention.
5. Clarifying the Recent Property Rumors: Harlingen vs. McAllen
In a major point of clarification for the Harlingen community, recent news regarding the sale of a "Bonham Elementary" property to the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen has caused some confusion. It is important for parents and stakeholders to understand a critical distinction: the property sold was the James Bonham Elementary School campus in the McAllen Independent School District (MISD), *not* the Bonham Elementary in Harlingen CISD.
The Bonham Elementary in Harlingen, TX, remains fully operational at its 2400 E Jefferson Ave location and continues to be a vibrant part of the HCISD. The school is not closing or moving. This distinction is vital for maintaining an accurate understanding of the campus's stability and future within the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District.
The school continues to follow the official HCISD calendar, including the published academic schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Educational Excellence
Bonham Elementary’s consistent performance, specialized programs, and strong leadership under Principal Herminia Ramirez position it as a model elementary school in the Rio Grande Valley. The school’s commitment to a rigorous curriculum, combined with its focused support for diverse learners—including the Bilingual/ESL, Gifted and Talented, and Special Education programs—creates a comprehensive educational experience.
For parents seeking a school with a proven track record of academic achievement (evidenced by the 'B' TEA rating and 'A-' Academics grade), a low student-teacher ratio (15:1), and a clear commitment to 21st-century skills, Bonham Elementary School in Harlingen, TX, represents a premier educational choice. The ongoing dedication of the faculty and the support of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District ensure that Bonham will continue to be a beacon of learning for years to come.
Detail Author:
- Name : Carson Senger
- Username : elisa.kemmer
- Email : kara.aufderhar@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1970-03-24
- Address : 8136 Feest Parkways Melanybury, NJ 41209
- Phone : 1-972-539-9603
- Company : Mueller, Lehner and Pfannerstill
- Job : Signal Repairer OR Track Switch Repairer
- Bio : Dolor vitae explicabo sit consequatur pariatur rerum similique autem. Adipisci sequi ut ut. Ut distinctio a nihil dolore. Quo illo rerum voluptatem eum et.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/hermann1972
- username : hermann1972
- bio : Excepturi iure ea quia vitae ut accusantium.
- followers : 6506
- following : 918
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/hermanne
- username : hermanne
- bio : Maiores earum quas in laborum aliquam. Sint vitae voluptas minus ut est.
- followers : 1980
- following : 2011
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/evelyn.hermann
- username : evelyn.hermann
- bio : A placeat pariatur animi. Quia tempore vero deleniti in molestiae.
- followers : 2393
- following : 1740
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/evelynhermann
- username : evelynhermann
- bio : Cum tempore qui repellat incidunt minus corporis.
- followers : 4553
- following : 1392
