For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,256 students in Shelby County, TX (there are , serving 37 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Shelby County, TX are educated in public schools (compared to the TX state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in Shelby County, TX are Shelbyville School, Roughrider Academy and Center Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, TX public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Texas public school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Texas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Texas public school average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Shelby County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Shelbyville School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5322 St Hwy 87s
Shelbyville, TX 75973
(936) 598-7323
Shelbyville, TX 75973
(936) 598-7323
Grades: PK-12
| 857 students
Rank: #22.
Roughrider Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
658 Roughrider Dr
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6173
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6173
Grades: 9-12
| 51 students
Rank: #33.
Center Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
302 Kennedy St
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-5619
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-5619
Grades: 6-8
| 492 students
Rank: #44.
Joaquin Schools
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10901 Hwy 84 E
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3128
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3128
Grades: PK-12
| 712 students
Rank: #55.
Tenaha Schools
(Math: 39% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
138 College St
Tenaha, TX 75974
(936) 248-5000
Tenaha, TX 75974
(936) 248-5000
Grades: PK-12
| 459 students
Rank: #66.
Center Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
621 Roughrider Dr
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-3625
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-3625
Grades: 3-5
| 529 students
Rank: #77.
Timpson School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
836 Bear Dr
Timpson, TX 75975
(936) 254-2463
Timpson, TX 75975
(936) 254-2463
Grades: PK-12
| 717 students
Rank: #88.
Center High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
658 Roughrider Dr
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6173
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6173
Grades: 9-12
| 685 students
Rank: #99.
Excelsior Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
11270 St Hwy 7 W
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-5866
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-5866
Grades: PK-8
| 77 students
Rank: n/an/a
294 Stadium Dr
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6266
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6266
Grades: PK-2
| 677 students
Shelby County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
624 Malone Dr
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6148
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-6148
Grades: 4-5
| n/a students
Excelsior Daep (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
11270 St Hwy 7 West
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-5866
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-5866
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
120 Southern Ave
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3258
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3258
Grades: PK-5
| 344 students
10901 Hwy 84 E
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3128
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3128
Grades: 6-8
| 145 students
11109 Hwy 84 E
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3128
Joaquin, TX 75954
(936) 269-3128
Grades: 9-12
| 186 students
#1 Tiger Dr
Tenaha, TX 75974
(936) 248-3931
Tenaha, TX 75974
(936) 248-3931
Grades: 9-12
| 99 students
836 Bear Dr
Timpson, TX 75975
(936) 254-2462
Timpson, TX 75975
(936) 254-2462
Grades: PK-5
| 304 students
836 Bear Dr
Timpson, TX 75975
(936) 254-2078
Timpson, TX 75975
(936) 254-2078
Grades: 6-8
| 142 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Shelby County, TX?
The top ranked public schools in Shelby County, TX include Shelbyville School, Roughrider Academy and Center Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Shelby County?
10 public schools are located in Shelby County.
What percentage of students in Shelby County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Shelby County are educated in public schools (compared to the TX state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Texas public schools average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Shelby County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Shelby County include: Timpson School vs. Center High School, Tenaha Schools vs. Shelbyville School, Center High School vs. Timpson School
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.