2023 Best Schools for STEM in Hidalgo County

• South Texas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  347 reviews

Alum: Science Academy was a great school in terms of education quality and classmates. We were also given direct access to advanced equipment in the engineering lab such as 3D Printers, Acrylic Printing Machines, Multiple Cutting Devices, and more- all for free! I am also very fond of the environment I was immersed in. Science Academy is a very competitive school. Its environment only motivated me to do better in my classes. The only thing that kept me from giving this rating a 5 stars was the sudden shift in rules that dampened my senior year. Administration changed a lot of the long term traditions that I anticipating enjoying when I was a freshman and definitely looked forward to as a senior such as the Renfest trip, Collaboration on Fridays, and being able to enjoy lunches with my Med High friends. I hope that the school will be able to recover soon because I want people to enjoy high school as I did as a freshman.... Read 347 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 794

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• McAllen Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: Lamar Academy is a rigorous and academically challenging high school, however it pushes students to be the best. I have learned so many skills from this school, such as speaking and writing skills, and I am very happy to be a part of this community. The environment is great, because everyone pushes each other to be the best they can be, and we all support each other through difficult academic times.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A

• Students 93

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• South Texas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  360 reviews

Junior: I have been going to South Texas ISD Health Professions since my Freshman year of High school. I have built so many friendships and relationships. They have the most amazing daily schedules, so I am never overwhelmed or overworked. They have no school uniform policy which really lets students express who they are and allow students to have religious freedom in their style of clothing. The teachers are very involved in the students education!... Read 360 reviews

• grade A

• Students 751

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  215 reviews

Senior: It has been an extraordinary experience, as Idea Quest College Preparatory has given me every tool necessary to attend college. Their philosophy of ensuring that every student will attend college in some shape or form is amazing, as they provide assistance through every step and ensure people will graduate. Although the work might be quite difficult the idea they portray is significant and it gave me the idea of becoming successful with my life and with the people around me.... Read 215 reviews

• grade A

• Students 742

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• South Texas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  178 reviews

Senior: World Scholars, as well as the district, have been fantastic. Since junior high, I've been a student in the STISD district, and they have the best instructors. The teachers here are what keep you moving forward; even if you think something is impossible, they will always try to work with you to find a solution; their want to teach you is apparent; it is their passion. The IB classes and dual enrollment programs at World Scholars set it apart from other schools. You can either complete the IB diploma program in its whole or take dual enrollment courses at UTRGV or STC, or take both IB for the diploma and dual! There is a lot of opportunity to advance academically and towards your future.... Read 178 reviews

• grade A

• Students 557

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Mission, TX•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Alum: Juan Diego Academy is the school for those wondering what they want to do with their life, it supplies ways to express their creative outlets and talents. Not only was JDA an excellent school but it also provided me with a lot of knowledge about how life will be once I enter the real world. One of the most helpful classes for me, was religion, it helped me gain a new outlook on life and I highly recommend their counselor, Veronica Rodriguez. She helped every step of the way through the college decision checklist and made sure each student had all their needs fulfilled.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 129

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Sharyland Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  552 reviews

Senior: Before, all I saw were my weaknesses: I was shy, I was a shut-in, I was dumb, I was the inferior one in my friend group. Then I took a step back and really assessed my life; how could I be shy and a shut-in when I was out celebrating birthdays, holidays, celebrating the joy of being alive with my friends and family? How could I be dumb or stupid if I was studying hard in all my classes, taking AP Calculus, Chemistry, History, English and passing every exam, even when others didn't? How could I be inferior, when there is no inferior or superior in the Sharyland community— everyone is as important and cherished and loved as anyone else. I realized my greatest weakness was the way I manipulated myself into putting myself down, and my greatest strength was the community I'm a part of. The people in my community are dedicated, ambitious, and reach for the stars without putting anyone else down, including themselves, and they are the people I want to be.... Read 552 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,525

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  191 reviews

Alum: I like that most of the people you have for class stays somewhat the same for all 4 years, it really allows you to become close and make lots of friends. It is a small school, but there's lots of different things to participate in. The music department is sooo amazing! Definitely made some of my best memories there.... Read 191 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,285

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• La Joya Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: Thelma mostly specializes in any of the STEM majors, the teachers and faculty members are all there to hear you out, they're pretty easy to talk to! It's an early college high school so you graduate with an associate's degree in your major, it's definitely worth it since you can take that degree with you to any other college in Texas (Mainly South Texas College in McAllen). The class (class of 2023, class of 2024, etc.) sizes are pretty small, each being a minimum of 100 students. Unfortunately, they only offer interdisciplinary majors if you're interested in any other career paths.There are very few clubs considering most students usually spend time focusing on their college courses and high school classes. I highly recommend coming here if you're focusing on STEM majors.... Read 158 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 496

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Mission Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  87 reviews

Junior: I am a current student at Mission Collegiate High School and I have rated this school with five stars because I honestly think that it is a really good school for anyone who focuses on mostly academics. It is a high school that gives you the opportunity to get your associate's degree since it is partnered with South Texas College. Even though it focuses on academics, it still allows you to do sports, band, color guard, theatre arts, etc. It also offers extracurriculars like robotics, debate, etc. It also offers clubs like the literature club, gaming club, etc. It also offers a health science academy where you can earn a Certified Nurse Assistant Certification, and other various certifications in the health science field. Overall, they offer many great opportunities that help reduce the cost of college and that help you get a job as soon as you graduate.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 462

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• McAllen Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  237 reviews

Senior: I really liked the staff, students, and overall work environment. Everyone makes you want to accomplish being the best possible version of yourself. You get to not only gain a high school education but also obtain an associate's degree. This saves college money and helps your education advance. Taking college classes also teaches you about responsibility, time management and self reliance.... Read 237 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 444

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  139 reviews

Senior: This school is truly amazing. They consistently rank amongst the highest in Texas, and it's well earned. The school is considerably smaller than other schools in the region making class sizes smaller and personalized help possible. Many students graduate high school with an Associate's Degree from South Texas College and all students graduate with the Distinguished Level of Achievement diploma. Everybody is expected to enroll in AP classes regardless whether or not you feel like you can handle the workload. This means that although the AP participation is high, AP Exam pass rates are very low. Teachers are expected to teach the AP curriculum to students that may not fully understand it. That being said, it is very possible to pass AP Exams while attending Thomas Jefferson. It might take some self-studying because of the slower paces some classes go, but it has been done. Don't let this deter you from taking the opportunity of attending this campus, I'm confident you won't regret it.... Read 139 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 671

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: My experience attending IDEA McAllen was the best, the moments that I have gone through the friendships that I made and my first love. Attending this great school has been an amazing ride that I will never forget, the memories will always be in my heart, the fun I had with my friends throughout highschool. It the chance was presented to myself I would do it all over again, I am glad to have attended in this amazing school met amazing people, and glad to call them family. The only changes that I would have loved to see change was having more clubs or organizations to join cause there weren't as many options in the past so I would like to see that change in the future.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 822

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• McAllen Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  306 reviews

Senior: I just moved to Memorial during the second semester of Junior year but it's been such an experience so far. The teachers are very nice, though there's a lot of students that they handle they do care about their students and will help you if you ask. The students in the clubs and classes are nice, they'll help you out and are mostly friendly. There are AP classes and Dual Enrollment classes offered. It's such a breath of fresh air from other schools that shove all academics in their student's faces for the sake of their reputation.... Read 306 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,189

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  97 reviews

Senior: My experience at Idea Edinburg CP has honestly been great. I am so proud to say that I am graduating from this wonderful school this May. I first attended this school in 2012, and I was so happy with how easily you can make friends, the college level courses, and the school spirit most importantly. We are all a team & family. Once an eagle, always an eagle!... Read 97 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 743

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  371 reviews

Alum: The faculty and administration at Edinburg North during my time there were amazing! The teachers were dedicated to seeing their students succeed and prepping them for our AP exams. The cheer and dance programs were both great during my time there, the academics were outstanding and the student government organizations were great to be a part of. The after-school extracurricular programs were a great way to stay involved with the entire school, faculty, and make lifelong friends who shared similar interests. Go Cougars!... Read 371 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,755

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  215 reviews

Alum: As an alumni from PSJA Bears I would say that the schooling there is amazing! I recently graduated from bears 2019 and I’m currently living in South Carolina on a wrestling scholarship. My high school has taught me college readiness and that’s how I ended up with academic all scholar my first year in college while being a student athlete. The academic there is outstanding, having PSJA known for honor roll for high achievements. My future kids will be attending PSJA because I know what accomplishments they will receive while attending there.... Read 215 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,497

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  151 reviews

Alum: "We are going to college! See you in college!" is part of a chant that was taught to my kindergarden class in 2009. Slowly but surely, here I am. IDEA San Juan is a great community that will secure students' lives to and through college. I can't number the times I've reached out to my counselors for guidance through my first semester of college. I am very grateful to the staff and administration. I love them 1000x1000... Read 151 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 759

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Sharyland Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  104 reviews

Senior: For a school that only opened a handful of years back, it was an amazing experience. From crazy football games to phenomenal band performances and my personal favorite, UIL academics, Pioneer really lives up to its name. While we're a young school, you can be sure that we'll only get better each and every year. Go Diamondbacks!... Read 104 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,516

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  255 reviews

Senior: My experience in PSJA North has been amazing, everything from the education to the environment. The teachers, staff and administration really do give the students their best especially when getting the students to engage with each other. When teachers participate with the student activities. Giving their time to the students whenever there is help needed can go such a long way. Having the freedom and being able to make my own choices in the school all while getting my associates and staying on top of my grades. The students all support one another, you never see someone being bullied or mistreated, a lot of us tend to help one another and show each other kindness and respect. The classes that are offered help students get a head start with college credits which is amazing. The sports have been the best from their football team reaching regionals to the band advancing in competitions.... Read 255 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,155

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• McAllen Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  535 reviews

Senior: Teachers are the best! they help you move forward with your academic career! They are super friendly and their main goal is to help you learn, they will answer questions when needed with a kind attitude. The teachers at Rowe high school are truly passionate about their career they really care about their school and the students. Throughout the years many different teachers have truly helped me with academics and personal issues, the Rowe community is truly like a family.... Read 535 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,063

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  167 reviews

Sophomore: Elementary and middle school are great. There is bullying, but with administrators keeping an ear open, it’ll get handled. Once I moved into high school, I noticed the strive toward high schoolers taking as many AP classes that they can, but at the same time, idea doesn’t offer different and exciting after school activities. Once in awhile a club will come up that’s interesting and different, but it’s only interesting and different for a select few. If idea could expand the campus so that we aren’t forced to take AP, I think it’ll give high schoolers the leeway to be stress free by giving them a choice. Also, being on the same campus with middle school and elementary is alright, but it isn’t alright when they crowd the gym during p.e. We have two gyms, and J think if before we survived with one gym I think now with two gyms, we can make a schedule to separate the middle schoolers and elementary students from high school.... Read 167 reviews

• grade B

• Students 793

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: I love how idea prepares you for college work. The counselors here care about every single student and they care about your gpa going up, I remember last year I did extra work to get full credit on two classes I didn't pass two years before.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 281

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• La Joya Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: Jimmy carter is very good at attending the students wants and needs in education. Pretty awesome staff, and AMAZING teachers as well. Jimmy carter is a blue ribbon school and I am very proud to be apart of it. The administration cares about their students and will go to the moon and back for them. Totally recommend it! Excellent service for students and teachers as well.... Read 79 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 408

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Valley View Independent School District (Pharr), TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  215 reviews

Senior: I currently attend Valley View High School. I have been with the Valley View Independent School District since Pre-K. I love this school because they are always trying to rank the highest among other schools. They provided me with amazing opportunities. For example, they paid for my associate's degree with South Texas College. They encourage other students to continue their education after high school as well.... Read 215 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,193

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1