Recognizing Excellence in Education
Children at Risk in houston has released its highly anticipated rankings of the top elementary, middle, and high schools in the Houston area for the 2023-2024 academic year. These rankings highlight schools that have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, improvement in test scores, and a strong commitment to student success.
Caroline Roberts, general counsel and senior director of public policy for Children at Risk in houston emphasized the importance of these rankings beyond mere statistics. “These rankings are not just about numbers. They tell a story of progress, challenges, and opportunity. We recognize where schools are excelling, where there is still work to be done, and most importantly, where students are thriving because of the dedication of principals, teachers, parents, and community partners,” she stated.
The rankings are based on various factors, including student performance on the STAAR test, comparisons with schools that have similar economic backgrounds, and overall academic growth. High schools are additionally assessed on their college readiness, graduation rates, and participation in college preparatory activities.
Top Schools in the Houston Area
Several schools stood out in this year’s rankings across different grade levels. Among the top elementary schools, TH Rogers School (Houston ISD), Stafford STEM Magnet Academy (Stafford MSD), and Commonwealth Elementary School (Fort Bend ISD) secured leading positions. Other top-performing elementary schools included Silvercrest Elementary (Pearland ISD) and Creekside Forest Elementary (Tomball ISD).
For middle schools, TH Rogers School (Houston ISD) once again led the rankings, followed by Stafford STEM Magnet Academy (Stafford MSD), Briarmeadow Charter (Houston ISD), Mandarin Immersion Magnet School (Houston ISD), and Young Women’s Leadership Academy (Aldine ISD).
High schools that earned top spots included Carnegie Vanguard High School (Houston ISD), Tomball Star Academy (Tomball ISD), Alief Early College High School (Alief ISD), Challenge Early College High School (Houston ISD), and Westchester Academy for International Studies (Spring Branch ISD). These schools have demonstrated exceptional academic rigor and commitment to preparing students for higher education.
Gold Ribbon Schools: Recognizing Achievement in High-Poverty Areas
In addition to the overall rankings, Children at Risk in houston recognized Gold Ribbon Schools, which are high-performing institutions that serve economically disadvantaged communities. To qualify, these schools must have at least 75% of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and receive an A or B rating in the organization’s rankings. Notably, these rankings only include traditional neighborhood schools, excluding charter and magnet schools.
Among the top Gold Ribbon elementary schools were McMasters Elementary (Pasadena ISD), Nitsch Elementary (Klein ISD), Eiland Elementary (Klein ISD), La Porte Elementary (La Porte ISD), and Thompson Elementary (Aldine ISD). Project Chrysalis Middle (Houston ISD), Edward Roberson Middle (Spring ISD), and Impact Leadership Academy (Aldine ISD) were recognized for their strong academic performance among middle schools.
For high schools, Carl Wunsche Sr. High School (Spring ISD), Avalos P-Tech School (Aldine ISD), Blanson CTE High School (Aldine ISD), and Cypress Park High School (Cypress-Fairbanks ISD) earned top honors. These schools continue to defy economic barriers by providing students with quality education and resources to succeed.
The full rankings and additional details can be accessed through Children at Risk’s official website, offering a comprehensive look at Houston’s best-performing schools and their commitment to excellence.
