BELL'S HILL EL

BELL'S HILL EL is a high-enrollment K-5 school in WACO, Texas, overseen by WACO ISD. The school instructs 786 students in grades pre-K through 5. Compared to the state average of about 519 students per school, that is 51% larger than typical.

WACO ISD runs 24 schools in total, collectively educating 13,476 students. BELL'S HILL EL is one of those campuses.

Looking at the student body, BELL'S HILL EL reports that nearly all students (93%) are Hispanic; the rest breaks down as 5% Black. By comparison, McLennan County as a whole is about 27% Hispanic, so the school skews noticeably more Hispanic than its surroundings.

Looking at school resources, BELL'S HILL EL reports 50 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 15.7:1. That tracks the state average closely. About 96% of enrolled students meet the income threshold for free or reduced-price lunch, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment. Set against McLennan County (around 62%), the school's rate is somewhat above typical.

On a residual basis (actual vs predicted given the student mix), BELL'S HILL EL tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 32.2% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 30.2%.

In the broader community, community-level numbers for McLennan County indicate median household earnings sit near $66,643, 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 11%. BELL'S HILL EL is one of 124 public schools in McLennan County (combined enrollment of about 45,703 students).

Nearest neighbor: CESAR CHAVEZ MIDDLE, around 0.5 miles off. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts BELL'S HILL EL at 2nd of 9; the average score across the group is 21.2%.

The school occupies an urban site.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at BELL'S HILL EL has edged up 4%, going from 754 students in 2018 to 786 in 2025.

On the community side, recent activity here tends to focus on enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.