News Summary
Texas has secured its place in educational excellence with ten high schools ranked in the top 100 of the U.S. News & World Report. Leading the way is The School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas, ranked No. 6 nationally. Other notable institutions include Carnegie Vanguard and DeBakey High School in Houston, showcasing the state’s diverse commitments to quality education and strong performance across various educational settings. The rankings highlight Texas’s progress in college readiness and academic achievement among urban and suburban schools alike.
Texas High Schools Shine in 2025 U.S. News Rankings
Texas proudly claims ten high schools in the top 100 public high schools in the United States according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This achievement underscores the state’s commitment to academic excellence and showcases the quality of education available to students across Texas.
Among these, The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) in Dallas ISD holds the prestigious position of being the highest-ranked school in Texas, coming in at No. 6 nationally. Texas ties with Arizona for the most schools represented in the top 50, demonstrating a strong performance in preparing students for college and career success.
Notable Schools in the Rankings
In addition to TAG, several other Texas schools have made significant strides in the rankings. Carnegie Vanguard High School and DeBakey High School for Health Professions, both located in Houston, have also secured their spots among the top 100, contributing to Houston ISD’s overall impressive results. The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) in Austin is another notable institution making the list.
Overall, the ranking reflects a variety of educational settings, including selective magnet schools, specialized STEM programs, and high-performing charter schools, all of which are primarily situated in urban areas such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Brownsville.
Evaluation Criteria
The U.S. News rankings assess high schools based on several key metrics, including college readiness, performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, graduation rates, and scores on state assessments. In this analysis, Houston ISD excelled particularly well, boasting two schools in the national top 100 and six schools in Texas’ top 10. The district has 19 high schools in the top 100 statewide, more than any other district in Texas, underscoring its commitment to high academic standards.
YES Prep Public Schools, a charter network based in Houston, also performed admirably, with eleven schools making it to the state’s top 100. Katy ISD followed closely with eight ranked high schools, highlighting strong suburban performance across both traditional public schools and college preparatory institutions.
Recognition for Other Schools
Highlighting statewide diversity in high school performance, Early College High School (ECHS) in East Texas received national recognition, ranking No. 807 out of nearly 17,901 schools and No. 107 in Texas. This demonstrates the capacity of schools outside major urban areas to excel in academic rigor.
In the charter school category, Harmony School of Innovation, located in Katy, achieved a ranking of No. 56, while Westchester Academy for International Studies in Spring Branch ISD earned the No. 94 spot. Harmony School is noted for its STEM-focused curriculum, regarded for its character-driven educational programs, while Westchester Academy emphasizes an International Baccalaureate curriculum, offering a rigorous academic framework.
Even beyond city limits, Clint ISD Early College Academy in El Paso County ranked No. 56 among Texas high schools, contributing to a growing recognition of educational excellence across the state.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Texas Schools
This year’s rankings included nearly 1,600 Texas schools, making it evident that a wide array of institutions across the state are participating in the push for higher educational standards. The strong representation of Texas schools in national rankings not only reflects their academic capabilities but also highlights the diverse options available for students embracing higher learning.
In summary, Texas high schools have established themselves as leaders in education, achieving commendable rankings and exemplifying the successes that can be attained with dedication to academic excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Statesman: Texas High Schools Shine in 2025 U.S. News Rankings
- Tyler Paper: Tyler’s Early College High School Ranks No. 1
- Laredo Morning Times: Texas High School Rankings 2025
- Houston Chronicle: Best Charter Schools in U.S. News Top 100
- Google Search: Highest Ranked High Schools in Texas

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.