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2020 Best School Districts in HoustonAbout this List

The 2020 Best School Districts ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 44
Best Districts
44 results

  1. Katy Independent School District

    • School District
    • Katy, TX
    • 358 reviews
    #14 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: The teachers are very good for the most part, and genuinely do everything they can to help their students succeed. Continually the district is very diverse and still growing! They are continually building new schools, and updating or renovating existing schools in order to give their students the best education and experience they can.
    Read 358 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68 Total Schools
    • 77,522 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Tomball Independent School District

    • School District
    • Tomball, TX
    • 57 reviews
    #18 Best School Districts in Texas

    Sophomore: I love this district! There are so many opportunities they give for me here. I feel welcomed and safe every day. They provide us rigorous classes and challenge us for the future and college. There are also so many activities here, such as sports, volunteer service, clubs, UIL, performance, and arts. Most teachers are prepared and ready to go. I would recommend to anyone!
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21 Total Schools
    • 15,933 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Pearland Independent School District

    • School District
    • Pearland, TX
    • 131 reviews
    #25 Best School Districts in Texas

    Alum: Pearland ISD has a phenomenal education system and is in a great community! Other than the homework the district has great pride, great teachers, and the best education one could ask for.
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24 Total Schools
    • 21,628 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Clear Creek Independent School District

    • School District
    • League City, TX
    • 225 reviews
    #46 Best School Districts in Texas

    Parent: We are a new family that came into CCISD this year. We moved from out of state and the difference in the teachers is phenomenal. Our children have the most caring, bright and enthusiastic teachers. I feel they really care about our kids and how they are progressing. I really appreciate how hard they work and how we can always have an open form of communication. Thanks CCISD!
    Read 225 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 45 Total Schools
    • 42,152 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Conroe Independent School District

    • School District
    • Conroe, TX
    • 170 reviews
    #50 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: At Conroe high school everyone is very involved and students are encouraged to do their best. My experience here has been short due to only being her a year and a half, but the teachers make it worth it! I love all of my teachers even if I tend to not like the subjects. They always engage us students in activities to help motivate us to do our best. Something I would change though would probably have been the language class I chose to take because I’m not very good at Spanish! All in all my experience has been fun and interesting!
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61 Total Schools
    • 61,580 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District

    • School District
    • Houston, TX
    • 432 reviews
    #57 Best School Districts in Texas

    Sophomore: I absolutely love Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District! I have been in this district since I was in kindergarten I am a sophmofs at Bridgland High School. The exposure and experience from living within this community is honestly incomparable. The district is continuously evolving to a better community, it strives to meet the needs of parents and students, also teachers and by far some of the best. CFISD ensures that you're ready for the next level and they're willing to anything it takes to get you there. The schools are well developed with exclusive technology, staff is brilliant , and students are welcoming. Also the sports are something that can't be missed with great stadiums and players. I love CFISD.
    Read 432 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 89 Total Schools
    • 116,401 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Humble Independent School District

    • School District
    • Humble, TX
    • 154 reviews
    #68 Best School Districts in Texas

    Junior: I had issues at my old school, which made me want to move out of district (there was only one high school in that district), so we applied for the transfer and was accepted almost immediately!
    When I first transferred to Kingwood Park High school, They were extremely friendly, and kind, although the curriculum was much more stimulating and challenging for me, all of my teachers were so encouraging and helpful.
    Read 154 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51 Total Schools
    • 42,391 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Klein Independent School District

    • School District
    • Klein, TX
    • 246 reviews
    #80 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: From my eye-opening freshman year, to my successful senior year, Klein has developed me in a way I couldn't have been developed elsewhere. The school staff, teachers, coaches, and students of this school district have- throughout six years years of sweaty effort, instilled the importance of diligence into my bones. Besides being able to work hard, and emerge unscathed from pressured times, I have also been improved by my districts' investments in extracurricular activities. Klein has built me through its emphasis on fine-arts programs. I have become an experienced musician through the opportunities presented by my school district. For example, using what I learned in Klein, I've made the all-region orchestra three times over six years, and have had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being able to participate in a Music-for-All festival, performing pieces as prestigious as Gustav Mahler's symphony number 2. Klein has given me experiences I wouldn't expect to receive from school.
    Read 246 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51 Total Schools
    • 53,068 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Fort Bend Independent School District

    • School District
    • Sugar Land, TX
    • 515 reviews
    #88 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: Nice district with a wide variety of students. My experiences at school have been filled with learning, growing, and adventure! The school counselors have made me feel more composed during my times of stress such as testing anxiety, scheduling, and college. There was always different ways we could control the level of education we wanted to receive because all the resources were there, you just had to take the time and invest in yourself. The school's facilities are of a high standard with qualified teachers which creates a conducive environment for anyone to learn. It has taught me to accept others not only because of our similarities but also for our differences. And even though education is pretty average the fine arts are amazing. I have been in the Fort Bend Independent School District basically all my primary and secondary school life, my experience with them has been very good. I am grateful to have gone to schools full of great academic and diverse environments.
    Read 515 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79 Total Schools
    • 75,275 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Lamar Consolidated Independent School District

    • School District
    • Rosenberg, TX
    • 136 reviews
    #98 Best School Districts in Texas

    Junior: I am a proud member of the LCISD family and am proud to be a student in the district. Lamar CISD has provided me a wonderful education and opportunities in theatre, dance, and choir that I would not have experienced anywhere else!
    Read 136 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 42 Total Schools
    • 32,146 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Deer Park Independent School District

    • School District
    • Deer Park, TX
    • 153 reviews
    #125 Best School Districts in Texas

    Alum: I really liked it because the teachers were amazing at their jobs. The teachers that taught the higher education courses (Calculus, Physics, etc) deserved their job. Though not the greatest in the region, they provided an education worthy of appreciation.
    Personally I have difficulty with comprehending complex texts, however the English teacher that I had for my senior year was good! She was able to bring me from not knowing how to write an essay to knowing how to write a deep one.
     The Administration likewise were great at their job. They had a good grip on the student populace and were successful in their attempts at closing conflict between either students or between student and teacher. Very professional if I had to be honest.
     Another major attribute that the district shot for was preparing the children for college. There was always a major push to inspire students to pursue further education. Typically suggesting students to signup for STEM or music related courses.
    Read 153 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14 Total Schools
    • 13,032 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Spring Branch Independent School District

    • School District
    • Houston, TX
    • 111 reviews
    #155 Best School Districts in Texas

    Junior: SBISD is a small district with less than 7 high schools. However, Westchester is a charter school. With this said, there are definitely limitations. No sports. Very little elective to choose from. But has the IB program and strives for their students to do best and graduate on time. Only recommend this student if they are highly academically driven with a focus in STEM. This school has small classes and most teachers are passionate about teaching their students. This does not ignore the fact that workload is heavy, especially if you participate in the IB program. Here, students are also able to make close bonds and relationships with students/teachers because Westchester also has a middle school, many start in sixth and graduate in twelfth. Westchester runs through the lottery system. Personally, I'd feel that the school would have a higher moral if the students were 'chosen' instead of randomly picked as this school is for people who are serious about their studies and future.
    Read 111 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50 Total Schools
    • 35,022 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  15. La Porte Independent School District

    • School District
    • La Porte, TX
    • 31 reviews
    #252 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: My experience has been quite the adventure as when first joining La Porte High School, it was already going through some changes as faculties and new School Buildings, and remodeling was happen all over, especially with some new staffing and teachers, equipment, and tools to make a better change for all the students on campus from the normal students, to the fine art, stem, and athletic students to have each and every bit of now things to join and learn to be a part of. As it could later show and encourage other students to do and be part of greater things that can help hem not only as a student. But as a learning and new generation human being
    Read 31 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14 Total Schools
    • 7,588 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Huffman Independent School District

    • School District
    • Huffman, TX
    • 8 reviews
    #262 Best School Districts in Texas

    Parent: Everything about this school district is Great except for the Middle schools Ability to control Bullying' of Handicapped children. Also Notifying A Parent of A Concern or problem there child is involved in. As well as Student safety. If I could Home school my children for grades 6-8 at this point' I would. I contacted and wrote the Administration office A 5 page letter' with detailed information of my daughter being bullied and harrassed and I Recieved 1 call from there office which I missed because we were in a Dr's appointment. I did not receive any further contact from them but my daughter has now gone home bound do to her medical condition.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 3,527 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Crosby Independent School District

    • School District
    • Crosby, TX
    • 38 reviews
    #296 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: One thing I liked about Crosby was the school pride. Crosby was very proud to be called Cougars and wasn't afraid to show it. It really influenced my choice of college. The college I chose was Texas A&M, who are also known for their school spirit and pride. The classes and the curricular itself was also satisfactory. I feel the classes taught what they needed to. Overall, I had a good experience at this school.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9 Total Schools
    • 6,154 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  18. New Caney Independent School District

    • School District
    • New Caney, TX
    • 90 reviews
    #357 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: New Caney Independent School District
    New Caneys Independent School District is an amazing school to grow up and learn in. The teachers are so dedicated to helping you succeed in more than just the classroom, but succeed in life as well. The schools are always very clean and updated in order for students to learn in a cozy environment. The schools also enforce many rules that make the students feel safe coming into the school everyday. The school wears our ID badges everyday in order to get into the school, which allows us to know that nobody in the building is a threat to our safety. I have been in this school district my whole life and I have enjoyed every moment of it.
    Read 90 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 20 Total Schools
    • 15,046 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Waller Independent School District

    • School District
    • Waller, TX
    • 25 reviews
    #380 Best School Districts in Texas

    Junior: My favorite part of my high school experience so far is that it is a very small rural-like school and many of the teachers have time for one-on-one tutoring lessons. Also, I feel like the safety precautions that are taken there is unlike anywhere else.
    Read 25 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9 Total Schools
    • 7,154 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Pasadena Independent School District

    • School District
    • Pasadena, TX
    • 226 reviews
    #448 Best School Districts in Texas

    Junior: Pasadena Independent School District gets involved with students as much as they can! They offer opportunities and help out the community as much as they can. When hurricane Harvey hit Pasadena, TX, their was teachers from the PISD district helping out those in need! It's been a wonderful experience being a part of this district and would not change anything!
    Read 226 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69 Total Schools
    • 54,646 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District

    • School District
    • Baytown, TX
    • 95 reviews
    #450 Best School Districts in Texas

    Senior: In the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, I liked how kind all the teachers, in my school, are to everyone. They were always willing to help, even now, during this time of crisis. I sometimes contact some for help, be it for homework or help with scholarships. However, if there was something I would change it would be the appreciation the cafeteria ladies deserve. I was in a class that was planning to do something special for them, nevertheless, those plans were stopped because of the current events we are going through at the moment. Hopefully, something will be done for them in the future, I just wish I could have taken part in this.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 30 Total Schools
    • 23,795 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Galena Park Independent School District

    • School District
    • Houston, TX
    • 135 reviews
    #470 Best School Districts in Texas

    Sophomore: Overall, the Galena Park Independent school district is a very adequate district. It's a clean and safe environment. Most administrators are nice, though, some of them can have bad days, but who doesn't? There are teachers who may seem "mean", but they are just strict. I know they have our best interest in mind, and they're just getting us ready for the real world. The district can improve by taking into consideration student's concerns and or opinions on school issues. All in all the district is a great district, but there is always room for improvement.
    Read 135 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24 Total Schools
    • 22,591 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Alief Independent School District

    • School District
    • Houston, TX
    • 191 reviews
    #519 Best School Districts in Texas

    Junior: I've attended an Alief ISD school for mostly my entire academic career and to say the least it's like being in an extended family. We hold community events such as school drives and giveaways, picnics and days just to celebrate ; the culture of not our district alone but Houston itself. Just like family you have your good times, and your bad. All in all though you know that they have your back no matter what. Through Alief schools I was able to explore myself as a person, I was able to grow in confidence and strength, and I was able to prosper both socially and academically. From the people you meet and the sights you see, the adventures you go on and the memories you make, attending an alief school and joining this community is an experience never to be forgotten. These are the reasons why we are ALIEF PROUD.
    Read 191 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 46 Total Schools
    • 46,263 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Houston Independent School District

    • School District
    • Houston, TX
    • 921 reviews

    Alum: HISD has provided me with great experiences. I have attended 2 schools within this district. One focused on academics while the other helped international students adapt to the environment. With that being said, each school is diverse and very welcoming. Most of the teachers are great! You can tell they care about the impact they make on their students. They encourage students to join sports and clubs focused on STEM/ interests. The district also provides free transportation and free/ reduced lunch for kids who are eligible.
    One less thing to worry about!
    The good thing is that they allow students to transfer schools if they are not satisfied with that school. The whole process is really easy too.
    However, HISD could work on their response time in critical times like in the flooding season. They need to prioritize student/staff safety over attendance.
    Overall, good district. I feel prepared for college and I believe I am provided the resources available to succeed.
    Read 921 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 284 Total Schools
    • 214,175 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Channelview Independent School District

    • School District
    • Channelview, TX
    • 93 reviews

    Alum: My experience in Channelview High School was an overall average experience. My biggest concern with the school was that they really did not offer many opportunities to get ready for college or apply to universities. On the other hand, the teachers I had were very helpful and professional. They supplied me with the right resources in order to graduate and be successful. My favorite thing about my high school experience was playing soccer for the high school soccer team. Through my soccer coach Morry Bierman I learned a lot about life lessons. Thanks to him and the program I am where I am now.
    Read 93 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 12 Total Schools
    • 9,649 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Sheldon Independent School District

    • School District
    • Houston, TX
    • 59 reviews

    Junior: Sheldon Independent School District is small, therefore schools are interconnected like a family and community. The district prioritizes the needs of their students and they provide the best for us. They recognize students hard work and dedication throughout the district every month at the board meetings. It is easy to get help with any concerns pertaining to the schools or district overall.
    Read 59 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 12 Total Schools
    • 9,100 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Spring Independent School District

    • School District
    • Houston, TX
    • 276 reviews

    Senior: I think my high school is a very good role model for the rest of SISD: we have college-readiness, diversity and academics. SISD could work on making teachers seem as if they care to create a better learning environment for students. Making a student feel like their opinions and participation matters is extremely important in getting students to cooperate with teachers.
    Administration could also be better. There is a lot of mystery as to what is going on within the school district. Many students and teachers are unsure of things. Informing students, parents, teachers and administrations would help make sure that the Board and the school administration have a better connection.
    My school specifically should work on including more electives that students could take. Many students find themselves trying out for sports teams outside of our school. I think that including some type of sports or making it more apparent of the opportunities that a student has would be extremely beneficial.
    Read 276 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 39 Total Schools
    • 36,134 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Nysmith School for the Gifted

    • Private School
    • Herndon, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 8 reviews

    Middle School Student: It is the best school I have ever been to and has opened the gates for me to really be able to learn. I especially like language arts and my teachers truly have a broad understanding of the world and inspire us. I have read books including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Power of One, Frankenstein, Henry IV, Henry V, Oedipus The King, and many more. I came in 7th grade and I thought I would have a hard time, but that was not the case. The school is so diverse and I have gotten to learn about a bunch of different cultures and it has given me a better understanding. I went to public school before and until I got to this school I did not really know whiten outstanding education was. I feel ready to share my ideas with the world.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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    Harmony School of Innovation - Fort Worth

    • Public School
    • Fort Worth, TX
    • 6-12
    • 64 reviews

    Senior: Harmony School of Innovation is excellent at providing their students with the resources they need to excel on standardized tests. Beyond excelling with standardized tests, most of the staff are amicable and even try to maintain the idea that everyone is family on campus. Where Harmony succeeds at providing students with useful tools to do well academic wise, they are lacking in other departments such as athletics and counselors that focus on behavior and mental health. High GPA's and SAT scores are great and all, but young adults also need to use this time to learn how to keep their bodies and minds healthy while receiving an education.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 868 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Harmony School of Excellence - Dallas

    • Public School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 6-12
    • 95 reviews

    Senior: Good teachers and infrastructure but lacking many resources when it comes to textbooks and desks. There are a diverse amount of students and some who are dedicated to working while others are not, counseling and college readiness are excellent.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 956 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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