Schools in Waelder ISD · Gonzales County

Nixon and Smiley anchor the county's strongest performers, with Nixon-Smiley Middle reaching the 54th percentile statewide and Nixon-Smiley Elementary close behind at 49th — both outpacing their counterparts in the larger city of Gonzales. Spread across three districts serving small towns that include Waelder alongside the county seat, Gonzales County's seven ranked public schools reflect the realities of rural South Texas education, where none currently score in the top quartile statewide. Families prioritizing academic outcomes may find the Nixon-Smiley district worth a closer look, as it consistently leads the county across grade levels.