News Summary
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has achieved remarkable rankings in the U.S. News and World Report, with Carnegie Vanguard High School leading at 42nd nationally and 5th in Texas. DeBakey High School for Health Professions follows at 75th nationally and 9th in the state. Both schools report impressive graduation rates, with Carnegie at 100% and DeBakey at 98%. HISD showcases a strong presence in education, leading the top rankings in the Houston area, affirming its commitment to high-quality schooling.
Houston High Schools Excel in National Rankings
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has earned acclaim for its high schools, achieving notable rankings in the recently released U.S. News and World Report. Carnegie Vanguard High School stands out as the highest-ranked institution from HISD, securing the 42nd position nationally and the 5th spot within Texas for 2025. Another HISD institution, DeBakey High School for Health Professions, ranks 75th nationally and is recognized as the 9th best high school in the state.
Carnegie Vanguard High School boasts an impressive 100% graduation rate and serves 824 students, while DeBakey High School reports a graduation rate of approximately 98% with 922 enrolled students from grades 9 through 12, achieving a college readiness score of 89.2.
These rankings evaluate over 24,000 public high schools across 50 states, in addition to the District of Columbia. HISD emerges as a leader within the Houston area, claiming the top six high schools, with two making the state’s top 10 and entering the national top 100.
Top Schools in the Houston Area
In addition to Carnegie Vanguard and DeBakey, other high schools that rank highly in the Houston area include Kerr High School (Alief ISD), Harmony School of Innovation (Katy), Spring Early College Academy (Spring ISD), and Seven Lakes High School (Katy ISD), as they join the elite list of top 10 schools in the Houston region.
Among the 19 schools from HISD in the top 100, YES Prep follows with 11 schools, while Katy ISD has 8 schools represented in the rankings. This demonstrates HISD’s significant presence in the upper echelon of high school education in the area.
Ranking Methodology and Performance
The U.S. News rankings are based on various performance metrics, including state assessments, college-level exams, and graduation rates, reflecting the 2022-23 academic year data. The methodology ensures a comprehensive evaluation of high school performance, incorporating how well underserved students perform.
To qualify for the ranking, high schools must have a minimum of 15 twelfth-grade students enrolled and possess available assessment data. The analysis utilizes objective information sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, state assessments, graduation rates, and scores from Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate courses.
Further Houston District Highlights
Other notable mentions in the rankings include Harmony School of Innovation, which secured the 56th position nationally, and Westchester Academy for International Studies at 94th. Additionally, Seven Lakes High School and Tompkins High School have been recognized as top STEM institutions, ranking 93rd and 98th, respectively, in the list of top 100 STEM high schools.
The U.S. News rankings serve as a crucial resource for students and families, providing valuable insights that aid in making informed decisions regarding educational paths. With HISD’s remarkable achievements, the district reaffirms its commitment to high-quality education, preparing students for success in their academic and future endeavors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Drunk Driving Incidents Raise Concerns in Evansville
Evergreen Public Schools Closed Amid Ongoing Strike
Houston Texans Gear Up for Season Opener Against Rams
Houston and Dallas ISDs Achieve Historic Academic Improvements
Dubuque School District Considers Closure of Jefferson Middle School
Violence Erupts During High School Football Game in Houston
Lawsuit Filed Against Ursuline High School Over Hazing Allegations
Two Children Die in Head-On Collision in Houston County, Texas
Houston’s Top-Ranked High Schools: A Comprehensive Overview
Texas Galleries Shine at Upcoming Art Fairs
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: US News Best High Schools
- Wikipedia: High School
- Culture Map: US News Best High Schools
- Google Search: Best High Schools in Houston
- KHOU: 2024 School Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Chron: Best Texas High Schools 2025 Rankings
- Google Scholar: High School Rankings
- FOX 26 Houston: Top Houston Area Schools
- Google News: Houston Education News
- Houston Chronicle: Best Charters US News Top 100
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
