Schools in Merkel ISD · Taylor County

Abilene anchors Taylor County's public school landscape, driving most of the enrollment across six districts that also serve smaller communities like Tuscola, Merkel, and Trent. With 37 ranked schools and 12 landing in the top quartile statewide, the county punches above its mid-sized Texas footprint. The standout is Academy for Technology Engineering Math & Science in Abilene, reaching the 95th percentile statewide, while strong performers extend beyond the city — Jim Ned Middle in Tuscola and Buffalo Gap Elementary both sit at the 92nd percentile. Families willing to look across district lines will find genuinely competitive options throughout the county.