2024 Best Charter Schools in the Houston Area

• The Woodlands, TX•

• Public School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  14 reviews

Junior: I love that they are advertising all their student services, including internships to give students opportunities to earn experience and other perks. I would like to see change or more inclusivity to scholarships opportunities more than what they offer now from their transfer scholarship and scholarships4kats. In my experience, scholarships4kats has scholarships geared towards specific majors like criminal justice, sports, and towards alumni, parents pursuing education, and people who know staff at Sam. I would also like to see change as to how long they take to investigate any crimes reported to them and to release hidden policies and fees(term and conditions) about Bearkat bundles.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 493

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  84 reviews

Junior: ISchool High at University Park is a self-paced college readiness school. The high school classes you take are done through online lessons. The teacher is mainly there for questions, and so they can make sure you learned the content. After your freshman year, the amount of high school level classes you take is minimal. Because you can graduate high school with an associate degree here, you start taking a majority of dual credit classes. What I really enjoy about this school is that the dual credit classes you take are on the Lone Star University Park Classes. So, you take your college classes with actual professors and college students. The actual high school though, I enjoyed very much. Since it’s a smaller school, everybody knows each other, and there’s a minimal amount of conflict. It’s a very nice and friendly environment. One thing I would change, is the involvement of the teachers. I believe students would be more successful if the teachers took initiative to help them learn.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Amazing school, spectacular staff , and a really good curriculum. I would definitely recommend this school to you guys!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 633

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  63 reviews

Alum: My time at iSchool High The Woodlands was an amazing experience for me. I had pillars of support from everyone; my teachers, the faculty, and my fellow students! My teachers were the best, especially my junior and senior homeroom teacher. She pulled me from a dark time in my life, and inspired me to do better. Because of her I got into my dream school, am part of the university’s new sport team, and got an academic scholarship for my tuition! This school cared about me, truly. Without them I never would have gotten where I am, and thanks to their college dual credit program I was able to clear some classes with my university that would have wasted my time, now I can focus on the core classes of my major... Read 63 reviews

• grade A

• Students 278

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Spring Branch Independent School District, TX•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Freshman: This school has such a loving and safe environment. Teachers challenge students without overdressing students with busy work and meaningless tests. Students are kind to one another and teachers form a strong relationship with their students. Students are taught to think creatively and Innovatively through project based learning. Language Arts and Social Studies are taught hand in hand. While in history you learn about the Reform movement of the 1800s, in Language Arts you learn about Transcendentalism and get to voice your opinions on modern day issues. Class debates are encouraged and every students is respected and gets to voice their opinions in a safe environment. This was a great school and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Highly recommend this school if your looking for a higher quality of education.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 371

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Calvin Nelms Charter Schools, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  33 reviews

Junior: I like the small school environment because then, teachers can pay more attention to students individually and help them improve academically. Also, the small school environment helps everyone get to know each other easily, which makes students feel more comfortable at school. Additionally, I like how I have not seen anybody physically fighting, drinking, taking drugs, or smoking at this school. Some things I would like to see changed is transportation. Kids who live in nearby neighborhoods should have a way to safely walk or bike to school. If this can happen, students have a way to go home easier after sports practice or their club meeting. Additionally, more funding needs to go to hiring more teachers or building more classrooms so students can have more electives to pick from and can potentially help them decide what career path is best for them. Lastly, the school should put more time and effort in helping students become more college ready.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A

• Students 166

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Spring Branch Independent School District, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  354 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 354 reviews

• grade A

• Students 866

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: My son Zayden Ali is currently in Kinder Ms. Carby’s class. This my first year with Harmony science academy sugar land and we had a great experience. Teachers are very dedicated and caring about children’s learning, growth and safety. Ms. Carby is above and beyond and very prompt to answering any questions I have. My son has great Kinder year and he has learned a lot throughout his kinder year!! I’m looking forward to many great years ahead at this school!!... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 729

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Calvin Nelms Charter Schools, TX•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 147

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  143 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 143 reviews

• grade A

• Students 744

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  38 reviews

Senior: Hi, my name is Kenechi and I am a senior at HSI Katy. I have attended this school for most of my high school years and had an eerie and somewhat fun time at Harmony. At HSI, the staff and administration can be more personal and help you towards your goals. Compared to a public school, harmony student ratio is much smaller. Teachers can set a deeper connection to their students, For example, Talking to college counselors about your applications and the task of sending transcripts is much easier with not too many students. My best experience with harmony was when we had outside days for dear. Dear would be like a quick class in the middle of first lunch and we would play soccer like it was recess. I would always look forward to it every single day. My worst experience is the cafeteria food. I would like to see a less strict administration and better food at lunch... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 694

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Houston, TX•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Works Here: I started working for Amigos Por Vida - Friends For life Public Charter School back in 2015, I then moved out of state for about 7 years and then came back to work again for the school. APV is like a family, no matter how long you don't see each other you are always there for your family member and they are there for you. My older son now in High School went to school there, when we moved out of state his new school was impressed with how well-prepared he was coming from Amigos Por Vida, after all these years he still remembers how happy he was at APV. My wife is also an educator and she worked for APV for almost 10 years before we moved out of town, she also has very good memories of her experience there.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 567

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston North, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  236 reviews

Senior: My experience at Harmony School of Advancement has been positive overall. The best part of my experience has been the supportive and inclusive community at the school. The teachers and staff are dedicated to helping students succeed, and there are ample opportunities for extracurricular activities and personal growth. The worst part of my experience has been the limited resources in certain academic areas, which can sometimes make it challenging to pursue certain interests or passions. I would like to see more investment in resources for subjects like science and technology to provide students with a more well-rounded education. I would also like to see the school fix the Wifi. The Wifi is slow and I take longer to do my work. Also, there are a lot of kids now because it would get packed in the hallways during the transition periods and it feels like I'm in a subway train.... Read 236 reviews

• grade A

• Students 734

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Aristoi Classical Academy, TX•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: I am a former student of ACA, and this school prepared me extremely well for college. My high school Humane Letters courses were more informative and went deeper into subject material than any Humanities, English, and History class I have taken in college. Although STEM is not the school’s strong suit I preferred the STEM classes at ACA over any STEM class I had taken in Katy i.s.d. Not only is this school amazing at teaching the curriculum, but it places a huge emphasis on virtue. Aristoi is the best institution I have had the pleasure of attending.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston South, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  388 reviews

Senior: I spent four formative years (from freshman to senior) at Harmony Science Academy - Houston. The school gave a solid academic grounding; however, it could have been better. When it came to sports, however, the experience was less than fantastic, and the program generally fell short of expectations. The students were the real showstoppers. Seventy percent or so of the student body was comprised of genuinely nice people who were happy to help out their peers. Their companionship created a good ambiance that contributed to a supportive learning environment. Some people, sadly, fell short of this ideal and demonstrated shortcomings in their actions. My experience at Harmony Science Academy - Houston was marked by both academic growth and meaningful relationships with my peers. Despite the school's flaws, the vast majority of its students demonstrated the positive atmosphere that might be established on campus.... Read 388 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 702

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Houston Gateway Academy, TX•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: My experience at Houston Gateway Academy was very good. I've been attending the school since the 3rd grade, and I am currently a senior in high school. They have grades pre-k through 12th grade. The staff is very good, it is a small school, so everyone knows each other. The only thing I would change is the high school experience, you don't really get that here at HGA.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 598

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston North, TX•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Harmony School of Excellence is a great school. It just became a state character school as well. Keep it going... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 828

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Houston Gateway Academy, TX•

• PK, K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 630

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Houston, TX•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 349

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  14 reviews

Alum: When I attended it was K-12. The teachers have a gift, because their ability to connect with each and every child is amazing. I am grateful to have gone to a school where I was motivated and supported through all my different interests. It made the college application process less stressful. They could improve on school clubs and activities to engage with students after school or even motivate them to dabble in different things. Definitely need to improve in music and arts programs.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 701

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Aristoi Classical Academy, TX•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: Our family is so thankful for Aristoi! My tenth grader and twelfth grader have been truly happy here. They have wonderful friends, they enjoy their classes, and they enjoy learning. I have watched them grow into true scholars during their Aristoi journey. The emphasis is not on teaching students to take a test, but rather teaching them to think well and to be good people, which is what education should be. The curriculum is rigorous, and potential students should be prepared to work hard, but the rewards are great. My daughter did very well on her SAT, which enabled her to get an excellent scholarship at the college of her choice. My children both have big, ambitious plans for their future education, and I can't wait to see all the places they'll go. I know they'll be ready because they've been given a strong foundation in the things that matter.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 666

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Texas College Preparatory Academies, TX•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Works Here: Willis Classical Academy is definitely headed in the right direction! Scores are on the rise (TEA "B" rating 2017-2018), Enrollment is on the rise (154 K-8 students), Teacher retention is at an all time high.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Beta Academy, TX•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: Best school! I have 3 enrolled in Beta, and they love going to school each day. It's such an energetic and joyful atmosphere. I could not ask for a better learning environment for them. They use the whole-brain teaching method, which is is really fun and engaging. I would have loved learning that way in school. They also focus on soft skills, and it's amazing to see the change in my two elementary schoolers. Everyone is so kind, and the teachers and staff really care about the success, safety and well-being of the students. I would recommend Beta to anyone!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 714

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston North, TX•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: THEY CARE ABOUT THERE STUDENTS. THEY TEACH THE STUDENTS WELL. THE CHANGE NEEDED IS THAT THEY NEED TO TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION SERIOUSLY AND NOT IGNORE STUDENTS COMPLAINTS.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 640

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1