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The Top High Schools in Houston 

The Top High Schools in Houston

Congratulations, your teenager has survived middle school and is one step closer to attending their dream college or university. But first, high school!

Thankfully, there is no shortage of high schools in Houston. The traditional high schools in Houston offer a curriculum for four years. 

However, some school districts have separate campuses for students in 9th grade. Other high schools offer advanced special programs and curriculums tailored to college and careers. 

We’ve researched and made a list of the top high schools in Houston. We’ve ordered the schools below based on their recent performance as public schools in the Texas STAAR assessment.

Alief Early College High School 

Website Alief Early College High School
Address2811 A Hayes Rd., Houston, TX 77082
Contact Info281-988-3010
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students400+ students
Total Classroom Teachers21 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio19:1

Alief Early College High School is a magnet high school in Houston, Texas. 

The community recognizes them for their advanced school environment, where students can earn up to sixty hours of college credits. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall99A
Student Achievement98A
Star Performance7995
College, Career & Military Readiness100100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress97A
Academic Growth8291A
Relative Performance8997A
Closing the Gaps100100A

*All statistics come from the Texas 2022 Accountability Reports 

Kerr High School 

Website Kerr High School
Address8150 Sugarland Howell Houston, TX 77083
Contact Info281-983-8484
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students809+ students
Total Classroom Teachers38 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio21:1

Kerr High School provides various opportunities in the community for students to take charge of their learning while preparing for future success. Moreover, Kerr High places focus on developing social and critical thinking skills. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall99A
Student Achievement98A
Star Performance7995
College, Career & Military Readiness98100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress97A
Academic Growth7484B
Relative Performance8997A
Closing the Gaps100100A

Spring Early College Academy 

Website Spring Early College Academy
Address1001 S. Ridge Houston, TX 77090
Contact Info281-891-6223
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students429 students
Total Classroom Teachers25 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio17:1

Spring Early College Academy provides a unique experience for students in the local community to get an early college education. 

They are known for their smooth transitions into college curriculum while allowing students to graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall98A
Student Achievement97A
Star Performance6692
College, Career & Military Readiness100100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress96A
Academic Growth7989B
Relative Performance8396A
Closing the Gaps100100A

North Houston Early College High School 

Website North Houston Early College High School
Address8001 Fulton Street Bldg C Houston, TX 77022
Contact Info713-696-6168
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students489+ students
Total Classroom Teachers25 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio20:1

North Houston Early College High School offers a rigorous course of study to students in the local community. It allows them to complete high school graduation requirements and earn an associate’s degree or at least 60 semester credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall98A
Student Achievement97A
Star Performance6692
College, Career & Military Readiness99100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress98A
Academic Growth7888B
Relative Performance8396A
Closing the Gaps100100A

East Early College High School 

Website East Early College High School
Address220 N. Milby St., Houston, TX 77003
Contact Info713-847-4809
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students446+ students
Total Classroom Teachers24 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio19: 1

Through connecting knowledge to practical experiences, East Early College High School prepares underserved groups for a successful college experience. All students earn up to 60 hours of college credit and an advanced high school diploma. 

They are renowned in the neighborhood for keeping parents informed and involved in decisions affecting the entire school.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall98A
Student Achievement97A
Star Performance7393
College, Career & Military Readiness99100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress96A
Academic Growth7888B
Relative Performance8696A
Closing the Gaps100100A

Challenge Early College High School 

Website Challenge Early College High School
Address5601 W. Loop St., Houston, TX 77081
Contact Info713-664-9712
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students486+ students
Total Classroom Teachers21 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio23:1

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall98A
Student Achievement97A
Star Performance7393
College, Career & Military Readiness99100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress96A
Academic Growth9296A
Relative Performance8696A
Closing the Gaps100100A

An easy transition from high school to college is offered to students in high school by Challenge Early College High School. Students can progressively transition from their standard high school degree plan into college coursework. 

By using the work and life skills they gain in Advisory, Student Leadership, and Guidance programs, students can operate in a college setting and are supported by adult advocates in fostering a feeling of ownership over their learning. 

Students who graduate from CECHS after their senior year may do so with up to 61 college credits in addition to their Texas Scholar credential.

Galena Park Isd Career & Technical Echs

Website Galena Park Isd Career & Technical Echs
Address5800 Uvalde Houston, TX 77049
Contact Info281-459-7198
Grades Offered9th-12th
Total Students477 students
Total Classroom Teachers15 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio32:1

The Career & Technical Education program at Galena Park ISD allows students to graduate with industry certifications, licenses, postsecondary certificates, and degrees to be prepared to take on leadership and entrepreneurship roles in their communities and nation. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall97A
Student Achievement95A
Star Performance5989
College, Career & Military Readiness99100
Graduation Rate9895
School Progress94A
Academic Growth7585B
Relative Performance7994A
Closing the Gaps100100A

Kinder H S for Performing and Visual Arts

Website Kinder High School for Performing and Visual Arts
Address790 Austin St., Houston, TX 77002
Contact Info713-942-1960
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students797+ students
Total Classroom Teachers48 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio17:1

The Kinder High School for Performing and Visual Arts is a magnet school that enhances student performance in the performing and visual arts. They also offer an advanced general high school curriculum to all students. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall97A
Student Achievement96A
Star Performance8195
College, Career & Military Readiness8997
Graduation Rate99.595
School Progress91A
Academic Growth7584B
Relative Performance8591A
Closing the Gaps100A

Debakey High School for Health Professions 

Website Michael E. Debakey High School for Health Professions
Address2545 Pressler St Houston, TX 77030
Contact Info713-741-2410
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students939+ students
Total Classroom Teachers51 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio18:1

Students interested in science and healthcare professions have an option to the conventional high school setting with DeBakey HSHP. 

DeBakey HSHP solid college-prepared curriculum includes upper-level science and math courses and an introduction to medicine and medical careers. This school is perfect for teenagers  looking for a career in chiropractic care. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall98A
Student Achievement97A
Star Performance8797
College, Career & Military Readiness9697
Graduation Rate99.599
School Progress97A
Academic Growth8090A
Relative Performance9297A
Closing the Gaps100100A

Carnegie Vanguard High school 

Website Carnegie Vanguard High School
Address1501 Taft Houston, TX 77019
Contact Info713-732-3690
Grades Offered9th - 12th grade
Total Students925+ students
Total Classroom Teachers38 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio24:1

Carnegie is the only Vanguard high school where all students have been classified as academically gifted and talented. For the broad group of bright and talented students in HISD, Carnegie Vanguard High School offers a particular and demanding learning environment that will prepare them for leadership in a global community. 

Only HISD Advanced (HADV), Pre-AP, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies are offered at Carnegie Vanguard. They also offer Honors elective courses in those same subjects. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall97A
Student Achievement97A
Star Performance8997
College, Career & Military Readiness100100
Graduation Rate97.790
School Progress98A
Academic Growth8693A
Relative Performance9598A
Closing the Gaps9896A

High School for Law and Justice

Website High School for Law and Justice
Address3503 Coyle Houston, TX 77003
Contact Info713-867-5100
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students488+ students
Total Classroom Teachers28 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio17:1

High School for Law and Justice focuses on a law-based career curriculum to prepare students who want to enter that field. By the time students at High School for Law and Justice graduate, they already have transferable credits for the law school of their choice.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall97A
Student Achievement96A
Star Performance6591
College, Career & Military Readiness9499
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress95A
Academic Growth7787B
Relative Performance8095A
Closing the Gaps100100A

Houston Academy for International Studies 

Website Houston Academy for International Studies
Address1810 Stewart Houston, TX 77004
Contact Info713-942-1430
Grades Offered9th-12th
Total Students499+ students
Total Classroom Teachers23 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio22:1

Houston Academy for International Studies prepares students for active roles as global citizens through international studies, a personalized atmosphere, and a college preparatory curriculum. 

The neighborhood commends them for their students that take charge of their education and participate actively in the school and the classroom.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall97A
Student Achievement96A
Star Performance7093
College, Career & Military Readiness9398
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress95A
Academic Growth7989B
Relative Performance8295A
Closing the Gaps100100A

Clear Horizons Early College High School 

Website Clear Horizons Early College High School
Address13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089
Contact Info281-929-4657
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students444+ students
Total Classroom Teachers16 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio28:1

Students graduate yearly with a High School Diploma with Endorsements from Clear Creek ISD and an Associate Degree from San Jacinto College, earning dual diplomas.

The first-year class gets admitted to the Clear Horizons Early College High School by a computerized lottery. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall96A
Student Achievement97A
Star Performance6992
College, Career & Military Readiness100100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress95A
Academic Growth7686B
Relative Performance8595A
Closing the Gaps9692A

Eastwood Academy 

Website Eastwood Academy
Address1315 Dumble Houston, TX 77023
Contact Info713-924-1697
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students441+ students
Total Classroom Teachers25 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio18:1

Eastwood Academy offers the sole cybersecurity curriculum in the area. 

The neighborhood recognizes Eastwood as one of the top schools to attend in the district. 

It is a multicultural, family-oriented school with a strong track record of producing first-generation college graduates.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall95A
Student Achievement98A
Star Performance7494
College, Career & Military Readiness98100
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress96A
Academic Growth8492A
Relative Performance8696A
Closing the Gaps9088B

South Early College High School 

Website South Early College High School
Address1930 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77051
Contact Info713-732-3623
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students427 students
Total Classroom Teachers22 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio19:1

Students at South Early College High School graduate with an Associate degree, are prepared for a bachelor’s degree and beyond, and positively impact their community. 

Students can develop problem-solving skills through South Early College High School’s individualized atmosphere, service learning, and mixed high school and college curriculum.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall95A
Student Achievement95A
Star Performance6391
College, Career & Military Readiness9198
Graduation Rate9995
School Progress94A
Academic Growth7484B
Relative Performance7794A
Closing the Gaps9794A

Harmony School of Innovation – Sugar Land 

Website Harmony School of Innovation Sugar Land
Address13522 W. Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77099
Contact Info281-302-6445
Grades Offered9th-12th
Total Students710 students
Total Classroom Teachers49 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio14:1

Thanks to Harmony School of Innovation, students in the community can access top-notch education. 

By offering a secure, loving, and cooperative environment and a student-centered educational curriculum, they prepare every student for college and the workplace.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall94A
Student Achievement96A
Star Performance6992A
College, Career & Military Readiness9398
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress95A
Academic Growth8191A
Relative Performance8195A
Closing the Gaps9590A

Harmony Science Academy – Houston

Website Harmony Science Academy - Houston
Address9431 W. Sam Houston Parkway St., Houston, TX 77099
Contact Info713-492-0214
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students694 students
Total Classroom Teachers44 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio16:1

Harmony Science Academy- Houston offers a high-quality educational option to kids in the neighborhood. 

Through a student-centered educational program with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this public charter school is known in the community for preparing every student for college and the workforce.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall93A
Student AchievementAA
Star Performance5583
College, Career & Military Readiness9599
Graduation Rate100100
School Progress95A
Academic Growth9095A
Relative Performance7593A
Closing the Gaps9089B

Blanson Career and Technical Education High School 

Website Blanson Cte High School
Address311 West Rd., Houston, TX 77038
Contact Info281-591-4950
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students1,355 students
Total Classroom Teachers77 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio18:1

Students at Blanson Career and Technical Education High School are encouraged to earn a nationally recognized certification that meets industry standards. 

They are renowned in the neighborhood for simulating workplace and academic settings. Students use tools, software, and hardware of business and industrial standards daily.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall92A
Student Achievement93A
Star Performance6190
College, Career & Military Readiness8596
Graduation Rate9995
School Progress93A
Academic Growth7484B
Relative Performance7393A
Closing the Gaps9088B

Memorial High School 

Website Memorial High School
Address935 Echo Ln., Houston, TX 77024
Contact Info713-251-2500
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students2,577 students
Total Classroom Teachers144 teacher
Student: Teacher Ratio18:1

All core topics accelerated, advanced placement, and pre-advanced placement classes at Memorial High School Houston. 

Furthermore, cross country, football, soccer, tennis, swimming, golf, basketball, baseball, softball, and track are all part of their athletics department. 

The theatrical, band, orchestra, chorus, and dance are just a few extracurricular activities that Memorial High School is known for among the community. 

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall92A
Student Achievement94A
Star Performance7093
College, Career & Military Readiness8596
Graduation Rate96.590
School Progress84B
Academic Growth6066N/A
Relative Performance7884B
Closing the Gaps8586B

Harmony School of Advancement – Houston 

Website Harmony School of Advancement - Houston
Address3171 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Houston, TX 77038
Contact Info281-741-8899
Grades Offered9th-12th grade
Total Students708 students
Total Classroom Teachers44 teachers
Student: Teacher Ratio16:1

Harmony School of Advancement-Houston offers children in the Houston area a high-quality education. 

The community recognizes the student-centered educational curriculum of Harmony School of Advancement, which heavily emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and prepares every student for college and the workforce.

Test Scores

Component ScoreScaled ScoreRating
Overall89B
Student Achievement90A
Star Performance5583
College, Career & Military Readiness8195
Graduation Rate99.395
School Progress91A
Academic Growth7383B
Relative Performance6891A
Closing the Gaps94B
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