The Top High Schools in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

As an education expert in the Austin, TX area, I have seen firsthand the impact that a quality high school education can have on a student's future. That's why I was thrilled to learn that Texas is home to some of the best high schools in the country, according to a new ranking from the University of Texas. The top high school in Texas, according to this ranking, is BASIS San Antonio-Shavano campus. This school has a 100% participation rate in the PA and is known for its competitive enrollment process, which takes into account factors such as test scores, teacher recommendations, and past accomplishments. But BASIS is not the only top-performing high school in Texas. In fact, there are 1,481 schools in Texas that made the news list of highest-ranked high schools across the country.

This includes 115 schools in Austin, 373 in Dallas, and 142 in San Antonio. So what sets these schools apart from the rest? How did they earn their spot on this prestigious list? Let's take a closer look at the factors that were considered in this ranking and what makes these schools stand out.

Graduation Rates

One of the key factors used to calculate this ranking was graduation rates. Many of the top high schools in Texas have graduation rates of 99-100%, which is an impressive feat. This shows that these schools are not only providing a quality education but also ensuring that their students are prepared for life after high school.

Student Readiness for College

Another important factor considered was student readiness for college. This includes factors such as AP course enrollment and performance on college readiness exams like the SAT and ACT.

These top high schools in Texas have a strong focus on preparing their students for higher education, which is crucial in today's competitive job market.

State Test Scores

State test scores were also taken into account in this ranking. This includes performance on standardized tests such as the STAAR exam. These top high schools in Texas have consistently high scores, showing that their students are excelling academically.

Underserved Student Performance

Lastly, the ranking also considered how well these schools are serving underserved students, such as those from low-income or minority backgrounds. This is an important factor to consider as it shows that these schools are providing equal opportunities for all students to succeed. It's worth noting that the University of Texas also divided its national list into state rankings to provide a more detailed view of the best schools in each state.

This allows for a more accurate comparison and highlights the top-performing schools in Texas specifically.

The Best High Schools in Texas

Now that we've covered the factors that were considered in this ranking, let's take a closer look at some of the top high schools in Texas:
  • BASIS San Antonio-Shavano campus - San Antonio
  • Liberal Arts and Science Academy - Austin
  • School for the Talented and Gifted - Dallas
  • DeBakey High School for Health Professions - Houston
  • Carnegie Vanguard High School - Houston
As you can see, these top high schools are located in some of the largest cities in Texas. However, there are also some smaller cities that have top-performing high schools, such as Edinburg and Brownsville, which ranked 11th and 12th in the state, respectively. So whether you live in a big city or a small town, there is a top high school in Texas that can provide your child with an excellent education.

The Journey to High School

While many Texas students are celebrating their graduation, for others, the journey to high school is just beginning. It's important for parents and students to do their research and find the best high school for their needs and goals. As an education expert, I highly recommend looking into these top high schools in Texas. They have proven themselves to be among the best in the country and can provide your child with a strong foundation for their future.

Jeannette Daehn
Jeannette Daehn

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