Ricardo Middle

Ricardo Middle sits in the small, tight-knit community of Ricardo, just outside Kingsville in South Texas ranch country, where the school's standout science program — ranking in the 95th percentile statewide — reflects the kind of hands-on, curious approach to learning that fits well with a region rooted in agriculture and the natural environment. Strong across the board, it's the kind of school where kids don't get lost in the crowd, and families who value a close community feel over big-city anonymity will find a lot to like here. If you're drawn to the wide-open landscapes of Kleberg County and want your middle schooler in a high-performing school with real small-town character, Ricardo is worth a serious look.