School District for
Zip Code 77642

About Port Arthur Independent School District

Families in zip code 77642 (Port Arthur, Texas) are assigned to Port Arthur Independent School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.

Funding and Resources

According to NCES 2024–2025, Port Arthur Independent School District spends approximately $10,900 per student per year, placing it near the Texas state average of approximately $10,500 and below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.

District Scale and Program Breadth

At 15 schools serving grades Pre-K – 12th, Port Arthur Independent School District qualifies as a large district serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.

Understanding the 8/10 Rating

With a rating of 8/10 (above average), Port Arthur Independent School District ranks among Texas’s above average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Texas is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.

Port Arthur Independent School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Texas. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.

Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 77642

Children in zip code 77642 are assigned to Port Arthur Independent School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 77642, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.

To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Port Arthur Independent School District at (409)989-6244 or visit www.paisd.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Texas districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.

School Districts and Home Values in Port Arthur

For families considering a purchase in the Port Arthur area, district assignment matters financially. Because Port Arthur Independent School District serves zip code 77642, homes in and around zip code 77642 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.

Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Texas, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Port Arthur Independent School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 77642.

Data Sources and Accuracy

All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Port Arthur Independent School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 77642 data.