2023 Best College Prep Public High Schools 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+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1280

• Average ACT 29

• 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

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1150

• Average ACT 25

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  247 reviews

Senior: Idea Donna is great for students that want to challenge themselves with great Pre-AP, AP, and IB courses that are rigorous. Administration is great at encouraging and pushing students to improve academically. Software and teacher lectures are well implement in student learning and other sources are encouraged. IB teachers are always involved looking to help students with any essays they have. Other high school teachers are always open to writing letter's of recommendation or heavily involved in college process. Something that needs improvement is counselor/ mental health awareness. Funding for tutoring after school was removed as well as funding for materials.... Read 247 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1160

• Average ACT 24

• 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

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1090

• Average ACT 25

• 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

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1140

• Average ACT 23

• 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

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1140

• Average ACT 24

• 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

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1130

• Average ACT 24

• 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+

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1170

• Average ACT 25

• 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+

• grade B+

• Average SAT 910

• Average ACT 22

• 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

• grade B

• Average SAT 1240

• Average ACT 27

• Vanguard Academy, TX•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  89 reviews

Senior: Honestly one of the best experiences that I have ever had. The school is very safe for all students, there is no bullying, the teachers actually care about the students and will try to help them in any way that they can, and the school is expanding. This means that there will be even more opportunities for future generations that come to this school. As someone that has been coming here since 3rd grade, I recommend it!... Read 89 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Average SAT 1080

• Average ACT 22

• 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

• grade B

• Average SAT 1150

• Average ACT 24

• 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

• grade B

• Average SAT 1110

• Average ACT 22

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  77 reviews

Senior: Excellent teachers, friendly environment! There's a lot of AP classes offered for high school students and teachers help students in order to be prepared for college.... Read 77 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Average SAT 940

• Average ACT 22

• 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

• grade B

• Average SAT 1190

• Average ACT 23

• 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

• grade B

• Average SAT 1030

• Average ACT 22

• Sharyland Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  42 reviews

Senior: My experience at Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy was perfect. I build a lot of wonderful memories and friendships, and lastly, I've advanced academically in my studies. This is an early college school that gives you the opportunity to graduate high school with an associated degree. I wouldn't change anything about this school I really enjoyed my 4 years of high school, since it is an early college there is a limited of students that get in we all build a bond and we all know each other as a class. This school provides amazing counseling and teaching, and the best of all the Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy prinicple is the best you can have.... Read 42 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Average SAT 1170

• Average ACT 24

• 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+

• grade B

• Average SAT 1050

• Average ACT 22

• 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+

• grade B

• Average SAT 1110

• Average ACT 22

• 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

• grade B

• Average SAT 1160

• Average ACT 22

• 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

• grade B

• Average SAT 1060

• Average ACT 20

• 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+

• grade B

• Average SAT 1210

• Average ACT 22

• 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

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1090

• Average ACT 22

• Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  274 reviews

Senior: Economedes is a very good school, I felt welcomed when I first arrived my freshman year. The sports are also good! Teachers are super nice, really loved it. Lots of diversity and easy to make friends. Friendly staff.... Read 274 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1080

• Average ACT 21

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: Idea Weslaco Pike College Prep is an excellent High School. In Pike the teachers and administration really care about every single one of their students. They always make sure no one falls behind. This is achieved by creating an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and everyone feels comfortable enough to help each other. Personally I have always done good in school and I have noticed that all of the other well performing students are always eager to explain a topic to those who dont understand. Overall Pike is a school that produces well rounded students who are hungry for knowledge. I would like however to be pushed more. Maybe it is because it is a relatively new school, but I feel like the school does not offer enough resources for students tro grow outside of class. Ohter than that the school does what is is supposed to.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 940

• Average ACT 21