2023 Best Charter High Schools in Texas

• Mckinney, TX•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  55 reviews

Junior: I have been attending Imagine International Academy of North Texas since the first grade. This school has allowed me to grow by strengthening my communication and critical thinking skills with the IB program and has given me some of the best friends I could ask for. The school is small so students are able to form meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers, influencing them to make the most out of their learning and school experience. I can confidently say that this school prepares its students for college with the amount of rigor and resources it offers.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,435

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• BASIS Texas Charter Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  61 reviews

Sophomore: There are many things that I like about Basis Shavano. First off, the school provides a wide variety of classes and extracurriculars students can choose from, enabling them to enroll into classes or clubs they actually like and giving them a chance to see what their future majors could be like. Not only that, the teachers at Basis are extremely helpful and nice, making the learning experience at Basis not bad at all. Did I mention the lunches? Definitely above-average. However, if there was one thing I could change about my experience at Basis would be the homework load. Basis is the type of school that challenges students in order to prepare them for college, and this is great, but since there isn't a cap on the amount of homework assigned per class, the upper-grade students receive much more work than necessary. Besides that, learning at Basis as a students has been great by far, and I most likely will attend my next high school year at Basis!... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,050

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Round Rock, TX•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  63 reviews

Senior: The learning environment was very rigorous but it helped prepare me for college. They teach you advanced learning techniques and have an open and welcoming environment with equality for everyone through the use of school uniforms. It is a safer environment than any of the public schools I went to before going here. I've been going here for 10 years and have made a lot of friends. They are also very good and supportive of students with learning disabilities like ADHD and Dyslexia and Disgraphia, as well as students with depression and anxiety. They also provide more IB classes to help get the IB diploma to get college credits! Thanks to them, I got into my dream school!... Read 63 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,679

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Westlake, TX•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: This school is a great fit for my kids but it’s not for everyone. In our experience the academic aspect is very strong. I like that the teachers don’t just teach to the staar like surrounding districts. However, it appears most teachers are still covering the staar material as 2 of my kids received perfect scores on the math and reading staar several times. The sports and extracurricular activities are limited compared to surrounding districts but most people who choose this school are aware of this and don’t expect the same. We actually prefer the low-key aspect of the sports since it allows kids the opportunity to be on their school team in sports they might not have a lot of prior experience in. Most the teachers and administrators have been very responsive when I have a concern. It seems some people who have issues don’t really research what the IB curriculum is actually like or what sports and extracurricular programs are offered before choosing to send kids here. Surprising.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 865

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Austin, TX•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  28 reviews

Freshman: When I first entered this school, it was the beginning of the academic year and COVID restrictions were still high. Still, it meant no more online meetings. This school welcomed me with open arms and continues to support me and other students for extracurricular activities. A four-hour school, this school supports students who partake in sports such as figure-skating and hockey, which take up most of a student's time. The teachers care for their students, and bullying is taken very seriously. The only thing I would add is extracurricular. This school was built for students with extracurricular activities yet doesn't have any sports teams. Another thing is, we don't have lunch or lockers like a typical american high school does. It is just a quirk this school has. It prepares students for colleges, and has education from Kindergarten all the way to 12th grade. This school continues to support me and I plan to stay here for the rest of my education.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Uplift Education, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  278 reviews

Junior: I have been an Uplift North Hills Preparatory student since kindergarten in 2012. Now, as a high school junior, I've been able to see my school evolve and grow throughout the years. While I do think that parent involvement and some aspects of connection in school have diminished over time, I can confidently say that I attend a great school. The academics are highly rigorous, and our teachers do an excellent job of motivating their students to strive to learn. One thing that I love most about North Hills is the student body culture. Our school is highly diverse, and practicing kindness and acceptance is central to our identity. Our school has many cultural traditions that are special to the student body. I feel that I am not only in an environment in which I am rigorously learning but also a place where diversity is valued and encouraged. Having been at North Hills for almost 11 years now, I have seen our school grow and develop further into a great learning and cultural environment.... Read 278 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 506

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  49 reviews

Parent: Founders has been fabulous for my 2 high school daughters. Class sizes are small so there’s a lot of opportunity for teacher/student dialog. My girls are known by name and are held accountable for their studies. The curriculum is challenging and I am confident my senior will be prepared for college and beyond. A safe, inclusive environment. You won’t regret sending your kids here!... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 918

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Harmony Public Schools - North Texas, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  21 reviews

Senior: I have been with Harmony Science Academy since I was in kindergarten and needless to say it has been a wonderful experience. I have gotten so many opportunities and have met so many cool people throughout my years spend here. I have had the most hands-on interactive teachers, and they never fail to make time for you when you are struggling in their class. I have also made such personal relationships with many of my teachers and faculty . It really does feel like we are a huge family. I would like to see better clubs and sporting opportunities such as football, baseball, perhaps even swimming at harmony because we do lack that a little bit. As well as better food conditions, because the food hasn't really ever been the best quality for us students. Other than those minor complaints I think that harmony has been an awesome school overall!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 579

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: I liked that I have the opportunity to graduate and complete my Medical Assistant Program and be a certified Medical Assistant when I graduate high school. The schedule is flexible, the class sizes are small.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 101

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Dallas, TX•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  912 reviews

Alum: Further, RCHS does not have orchestra or band available to the students. Lunches are not free (unless if you qualify for free or reduced lunch) and attendance is by every 30 minutes so it's important to not miss classes. You do not pay for anything for RCHS including textbooks, a laptop for senior year, and college classes. If you’re like me, then you won't like the high school classes because they're more developmental than educational, but you will like the capstone program there if you chooses a topic you enjoy. You will be required to write a 15-17 page capstone research paper with at least 10 varied sources and complete at least 60 service learning hours (15 per semester). For the paper, they will give you a structure and help with writing it. You will also be required to be at Richland from 8am to 5pm, but if you doesn't have any classes you can sneakily leave early. They started building a new building at Richland for RCHS when I left, so that may be done now.... Read 912 reviews

• grade A

• Students 498

• Student-teacher ratio 498:1

• Harmony Public Schools - North Texas, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: The teachers at Harmony really show that they value the students and their students' education, not just their own paychecks. They care about a lot about the students and build connections as well as trust with many if not all of their students. I have loved almost all of my teachers so far and I feel that not only myself but many other students trust these teachers with things that we don't trust many other people with. They are not only educators but they are life coaches, friends, and practically parents. The only problem is the lack of control that the students show in the day to day. Some of the students here lack self control and do not listen well to authority, so it is a bit frustrating to see the teachers constantly trying to reel the class back in because someone was goofing off again.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A

• Students 961

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  33 reviews

Senior: I had a wonderful experience in High School. With a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, teachers were more accessible to answer questions of any kind. Students are responsible for their own education of the Arts, Music, and Sports. That left more time for focusing on academics. The school put tremendous focus on AP and Dual Credit courses. Students and Teachers were really friendly and showed empathy towards each other. I would recommend HSI-Katy to anyone!... Read 33 reviews

• grade A

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  76 reviews

Junior: I love my High School, they employ wonderful staff and I love the opportunity to receive my Associates degree for free! They make the process of taking college classes at an early age easy and seamless and are always there to help! I would recommend iSchool High at University Park to anybody. I have even have a couple of friends attend after I suggested it to them! It really is a great opportunity!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A

• Students 300

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  133 reviews

Senior: I like to studying in this school because teachers have a chance to give each individual better attention during their studies. This school's focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics makes it a great match. Harmony school offers a good amount of advanced classes to help challenge and propel each student's thirst for knowledge and progress. So, that good!... Read 133 reviews

• grade A

• Students 710

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• NYOS Charter School, TX•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: A well-rounded school of students and staff that work cooperatively to find common ground and the best interest of the school while maintaining academic readiness. Though we are a small school we have a tightly knitted community that holds a lot of diversity, open-minded thinkers, and strong leaders. We have excellent academics as a college prep charter school and offer many class options for students to choose from. As well as many consistent predominant staff members that make up our faculty, making it a more warm environment where students can feel comfortable and rely on their student-teacher relationships.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A

• Students 538

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Spring Branch Independent School District, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  351 reviews

Junior: As a junior at this campus, I would say that Westchester Academy for International Studies is unlike any high school in my district. Being the only high school offering the IB Programme in SBISD, the courses available are unique to this high school, with courses that challenge the student body, through classes such as IB English, IB History of the Americas, IB Biology, IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations, and IB Spanish. Through the various courses available, students are able to explore each subject through a different lens, encouraging them to collaborate in teams for group projects, such as the IB Science Group 4 Project, and collaborate with teachers and staff for individual projects, including the IB Diploma Programme EE (Extended Essay) and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Project. Overall, WAIS is a great school for you child to expand their knowledge and passions through various methods, preparing them for the rigorous courses they will take in college.... Read 351 reviews

• grade A

• Students 924

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Harmony Public Schools - North Texas, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: During my time in this school, I got the chance to meet people coming from different backgrounds. Diversity was one of the things that caught my attention in this school and I love interacting with other people who are different from me. It made me more open-minded and educated on the different races, religions, perspectives, etc... I developed respect for my friends and classmates in my school. When it came to my classes, I had the opportunity to take classes that would help me in colleges such as dual credit and AP classes. I also took career-related classes which helped me have an idea of what I want to do after graduating high school. I'm glad that I am in this school because I was able to show people who I am as well as learn from others. I will be sad when I graduate from this school this year because of all the relationships I created with students and teachers, but at the same time, I am looking forward to starting my career and a new chapter in my life.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• School of Science & Technology, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  143 reviews

Works Here: I am a proud teacher at SST. I have taught in other districts in the public domain, but SST is so much different. It is a family! The students who attend here are amazing. They inspire me to be a better educator. Our students have designed and created 3-D printed hands for children born with missing limbs. I am in awe of the innovative future leaders, doctors, cyber security warriors, computer programmers and other STEM professionals that attend here. These students are going to change the world! I have been part of this family for 5 years and plan to stay here until I retire. In my opinion, there is no better school out there! The administration treats the faculty with respect and I feel appreciated each day. More importantly, the administration care very much about the students, as well. Many were former educators or counselors at this school. They know all the students and really listen to students' concerns. SST truly is the best place to be!... Read 143 reviews

• grade A

• Students 446

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Universal Academy, TX•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.87 out of 5  187 reviews

Parent: The outdoor spaces are among the most beautiful I've seen, with plenty of equipment and services for the kids to enjoy. Throughout the year, there are numerous activities to choose from. The children are always having a terrific time. The best decision I ever made was switching schools and bringing my child here!... Read 187 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,662

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston North, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  232 reviews

Middle School Student: Starting off, the high school, Harmony School of Advancement-Houston or HSA for short, did an amazing job of creating a studious, safe, and interesting environment for the students. The education was great and I from what I personally experienced, it appears that teachers and administrators gather student's opinions and criticism to further the school learning environment and methods of teaching. In additions, teachers were very supportive and guiding towards students who required guidance let it be life out of school or the class itself. I would also like to talk about certain points that HSA could improve on which is food and resources specifically. For the food, there weren't many options and in some cases, there was once milk that was rotting. Though these cases happened at most 2 times a year, I believe that HSA finding better food options for the students would improve this section. As for the resources, from what I see, they could improve on learning resources like smartboards.... Read 232 reviews

• grade A

• Students 708

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Grand Prairie Independent School District, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  37 reviews

Freshman: The Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute is a school that has helped me academically and mentally grow as a person. The school I attend is STEM-focused, and one of the main goals GPCI has is to help create a safe learning environment for all students. I have learned much from attending this school and built many relationships and bonds with my peers and teachers. I recommend enrolling in the Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute as it is an academically focused school that prioritizes its scholars. GPCI's motto is "We are what's next" The Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute encourages its students to do their best and to Dream Big.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• Students 363

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  56 reviews

Junior: I am actually at iSchool High Atascocita, but it's really the same school. Staff actually care about students and want them to succeed!! It's amazing that you can get your associate's degree or any college credit through this program for free! I will be graduating in 2024 with my associates degree at the age of 17 which is truly incredible. This truly is the best route to take for anyone who wants to pursue a college education. Because I want to get a master's degree, I will probably be able to graduate at a young age of 21 years old. A lot of the high school portion is online, but it teaches good study habits with learning yourself and teacher help is always still available. I would recommend this school to anyone anyway! However, don't go to this school if you want lots of sports or clubs because there isn't much of that offered here.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A

• Students 308

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, TX•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  130 reviews

Junior: I am very grateful to have been given the chance to spend the last 6 years here at FWAFA. As someone who went through Crowley ISD's academic curriculum and student environment, I believe that FWAFA has proven to be a school that prepares students for success. Of course, no school is perfect and there are a few issues with administration here and there (i.e. sometimes communication gets lost in translation and some things aren't announced to the students, teachers, or parents until the last minute) and the facilities need a little renovating. But, overall, I have learned a lot through the academic program especially in the science and english departments. And the fine arts program is fantastic! I have built such good relationships with my fine arts teachers, who teach rigorous lesson plans in order to hone our skills in the aspect of fine arts. The student community is also really supportive and going to school with like-minded people is such a blessing.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A

• Students 362

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  216 reviews

Parent: All throughout Highschool I've been pushed by my coaches and teachers who I have close relationships with, which is mainly all my teachers since in Idea they all strive to better their student and to show that they matter. The environment is nice and the school is not very crowded. Its a great school for wanting to be better in your academics its also a great so for sports, although we don't have the required facilities as a regular public school, our school strives to make the best out of training and having to share a field with all the other sports and athletes we still manage to get great training in, in order to be successful in the sport. You have great motivation to excel in academics you teachers check up on your grades and make sure to see to it that you are passing so that you could have a great start to moving forward into college.... Read 216 reviews

• grade A

• Students 742

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston South, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.3 out of 5  382 reviews

Senior: Harmony helped me grow as a person, in overall the experience was good. The teachers are great at teaching and care a lot about their students, they’re always willing to help us with school problems and personal problems. They are part of the reason why I have succeeded and finally graduated. However I wish the school had more extracurricular activities so students can socialize more with each other and create more memories together.... Read 382 reviews

• grade A

• Students 694

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1