2023 Best Schools for STEM in the Brownsville Area

• 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 4.4 out of 5  236 reviews

Junior: I would say that as a junior in Medical Professions, it has been great since 2020, even virtually the school did everything possible to ensure students were learning by having a zoom meeting at the end of the day with their advisory teacher. Today, most of the teachers stay after school to help students who have a hard time understanding the material, there are very kind, friendly and always willing to help. This school has taught me to overcome every obstacle along the way to reach my goals. It has taught that in life everything is challenging, but with the support of our teachers(for now), integrity, leadership, and determination; your dreams are within reach of your hands. In fact, seniors choose a certificate their last year at Medial Professions such as MA, EMT, Pharmacy and/or Dental Assistant. Passing the final certification exam guarantees a job right after high school and puts you a step closer to your desired profession. This is what I love about my school!... Read 236 reviews

• grade A

• Students 879

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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

• Harlingen, TX•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: Some experiences are life changing and Marine Military Academy is among those. No matter who you are, change is inevitable and unavoidable creating results that literally propel you out into the world. Nothing is sluggish about MMA, nothing is disorganized or without intent. Nothing is accidental in the daily structure provided. I am no longer unmotivated academically, I now have goals and a certainty that there is always a path to achieving them. I believe in my own self worth. I understand the intricacies of team work and the chain reaction when a part of a team does not work. No longer am I dependent on others for critical spontaneous decision making. I have learned to trust in my own judgement and think on my feet. I have learned to lead as well as to follow. My transformation has come from the inside out and serves me well in any challenge I find myself faced with. Thank you MMA for the future you have helped me strive for.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 218

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  33 reviews

Alum: Harlingen School of Health Professions is the best school in Harlingen, Tx. Their academics is above any other school in Harlingen. Their community involvement is outstanding and their student to teacher ratio is very good. The students and teacher relationship is very professional but also very caring and loving.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• Brownsville, TX•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  152 reviews

Senior: As they say," once a bloodhound, always a bloodhound"! This is very true. Saint Joseph academy has a very tight knit, family like community. It is very easy to fit in and get involved. It has an Alumni Association in place, former students can re-connect with others at either social mixers across the U.S. It also push students to be the best inside and out of the classroom. All of the teachers are very helpful, and the several rigorous courses, clubs, sports ad extracurriculars are offered.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 9

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Freshman: Ok school. Needs more opportunities to get involved and get community service hours. Lunch time boring since they don't allow your phones or music. Really strict. The only good thing was I was not there the whole entire time. Home school rocked, but missed my cool teachers and friends.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,110

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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

• Brownsville Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  634 reviews

Senior: My experience at veterans memorial early college high school was awesome! Ever since my freshman year my goal was to make the varsity soccer team and I was able to, before I knew it my freshman year I made the varsity squad. The school also has a health and welcoming environment. Most teachers are very nice and helpful and will give you the attention you need to help you out. There is no bullying what so ever everyone there is nice and includes people instead of excluding. In the future if I have children I can assure you that Veterans is one of the best schools your child could possibly attend academically and athletic wise.... Read 634 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,092

• 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

• Brownsville Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  251 reviews

Senior: The advanced courses offered to help students work towards their Associates Degree. The help students receive from counselors, administration, teachers, and faculty encourages students to keep going. The students have access to speak to the counselor at any time in regards to academics, certification and scholarships. At BECHS a family is formed to help each other be successful because we all have the same goal in mind. Sometimes it gets difficult but there is always someone there to push the students through the storms. Many lessons are learned at this school that have helped students at the University. The experience students get by attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), and students are responsible to finish assignments on Blackboard. Going to the university, gives the students freedom that comes with responsibility and the opportunity to be university students. Although this school does not have sports, it has a dance and running club and many other clubs.... Read 251 reviews

• grade A

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 9

• •
  Rating 2.75 out of 5  4 reviews

• grade B

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-11

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: In Idea Riverview, the support is great. Feels very different in what other schools do. Even though it looks like all we care about is our academics, we also care about our sports. We get an education and outside activities in one. The teachers here are very understanding and always wanting to "close the achievement gap." This school knows how to get every student into college. The staff also keeps in tabs with the parents in order for them to know what is going on in their child's life. The school always wants for their kids to be 100% themselves and to reach their full potential. IDEA sees something in their students that most schools don't. Being in IDEA has helped me reach my goals academically and in life.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 744

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  139 reviews

Senior: This school will provide you with excellent academic opportunities including your first 2 years of college free! However, the lack of extracurricular activities and athletic opportunities may make this school the wrong choice for you. But if you seek a strong academic chance, then ECHS will be the place for you.... Read 139 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 353

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: I like the academics for Idea San Benito as you are able to apply for additional AP class to gain college credits. Some things the school can do better is add Dual enrollment so some students can get started on college work now instead of being overwhelmed in college. Although the breakfast is healthy I quite enjoyed the old breakfasts that were now gone such as Bear cookies, Mini wheats, strawberry cream bar, and the cereals(Fruit loops, apple Jacks, Frosted flaks). Also the school lunch only serves milk now, I hope with this review would change it back to serving strawberry milk, Chocolate Milk, and maybe adding some Kool-Aid from large pitchers.... Read 158 reviews

• grade B

• Students 758

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1