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2019 Niche Standout High Schools in TexasAbout this List

The 2019 Niche Standout High Schools list recognizes public schools that are making a difference in their community. The 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 school diversity, graduation rates and state test scores for economically disadvantaged and minority students, SAT/ACT scores, and the quality of colleges that students consider. The list is limited to only schools with 1) at least 50% of students identified by the school as economically disadvantaged and 2) a Niche Overall Grade of B or higher. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 424
Niche Standout Schools
424 results

  1. Carnegie Vanguard High School

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 268
    1 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Freshman: CVHS is one of the top high schools in the nation for a reason. You're going to have to stay up late doing homework, you will not be able to go to parties and do the typical-things-a-teenager-does. But honestly, as long as you work hard, dedicate almost all your time to school, and have people to help you out, then you should do good here. I am a freshman here at Carnegie Vanguard and I am proud to say that my lowest report card grade was a 90!
    Read 268 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 621 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 28% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  2. School of Science & Engineering

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 173
    2 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: The overall experience was great, more so because of my friends. The counselor was difficult to work with in my case because I have to admit that I was a bit of a slacker but she always scared me by staring me down and raising her voice. I had one teacher humiliate me in front of the entire class my freshman year but they fired her. The rest of my teachers were helpful and amazing people! The security was a little overboard for the kind of school that Townview is but I understand, it's their job. Other than that, the students all applied to be there so there were rarely any fights and it is an amazingly diverse school.
    Read 173 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 418 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 65% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  3. Harmony School of Advancement - High School

    • Public School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 180
    3 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: When it comes to our school we're all one big dysfunctional family. Our school is so small that everyone knows one another. Our graduating senior class is 125 students! There is a large sense of community in this school. As for resources, our school offers a lot of resources and amenities for STEM related fields, like our robotics room for example. However, for the students that have more creative and sports related interests not much is offered for them. Sadly, that is something that will not change because Harmony focuses more on STEM fields, they choose not to pay much mind to other subjects.
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 611 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 47% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  4. Sponsored

    The Awty International School

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • PK, K-12
    • 142

    Parent: My kids have been attending Awty since Kindergarten. Now they are in middle school. We picked Awty because of the emphasis on languages as well as the diversity inside the classrooms. You can judge a school academically, by curriculum, by the teachers and by the sports and activities offered. The best way for me to judge? My children love to go to school. They have friends from different cultures, religion, etc. They enjoy learning and being in class. There are definitely challenges for the school as it grows, but the faculty and staff are supportive and focused on student success.
    Read 142 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,644 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Richards School for Young Women Leaders

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 6-12
    • 120
    4 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Junior: Great faculty and staff! Student population is diverse and supportive of one another. Only downside is that there is a heavy work load. Courses are rigorous and students are prepared to attend and graduate college. Good support from school and amazing opportunities available throughout grades 6-12.
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 787 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 58% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  6. Harmony Science Academy High School - Houston

    • Public School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 353
    5 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: Harmony Science Academy High School - Houston offers many opportunities to students in order to graduate and succeed in college with ease. They provide the option of dual credit classes which help prepare for college immensely. However, a good change for the high school would be the implement of more activities during the school year in order to keep the student's spirits high throughout the year
    Read 353 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 578 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 77% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  7. Challenge Early College High School

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 334
    6 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: If you're looking for the whole high school experience, this is definitely not the school to attend. Sports, clubs, and the arts are limited, and the school is very small. However, haven taken several college courses at HCC, I feel that this school has genuinely prepared me for college. The small population isn't the best if you want to make new friends every year, but the level of comfort and bonding I have had with all my peers makes this school's environment very unique. In the beginning, it may not seem like the best school to attend, but I, and several of my peers, are incredibly happy with our experiences.
    Read 334 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 464 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 72% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  10. Bellaire High School

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 651
    7 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: The IB program at Bellaire is terrific- great guidance and learning opportunities! The AP program is also top-notch. Both had great teachers. The physics and chemistry departments are lacking except for the Physics C course! The advanced classes all had incredible teachers, especially math and biology. The school environment was great and the administrators were fair and quite diverse, just as the student body. The principle is wonderful and kind with great pride for his students and their achievements. He knows a vast majority of them by name and also things they have accomplished.
    Read 651 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,584 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 46% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  11. Alief Early College High School

    • Alief Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 427
    8 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Junior: For my time with Alief Early College High School I have felt that it was a worthwhile experience for myself. Every student is offered free college courses from our neighbor Houston Community College, and is eligible to receive an associates degree by the time they finsish High school. Positive notes about Alief Early is the fact that both your high school and college teachers treat students as adults, thus preparing you for college if desired. In addition, the school faculty is very helpful to students either answering questions or helping in anyway they can. For future students I wish to see a change in our clubs, sports, and school meets. I wish for a increased amount of extracurricular opportunities for students, so that students have more chances to add things to their college resumes.
    Read 427 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 432 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 78% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  12. Harmony Science Academy - North Austin

    • Public School
    • Pflugerville, TX
    • 6-12
    • 74
    9 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: I have been a Harmony student for nearly seven years. The school offers a vigorous and excellent curriculum that places a strong emphasis on STEM. With families that represent various political, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, the school has one of the most diverse student populations in the central Texas area. The administration and faculty demonstrate their commitment to all students by conducting home visits that may identify any potential barriers to the students success. Harmony does more than prepare us for college, the school prepares us for life.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 808 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 49% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  14. Kerr High School

    • Alief Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 26
    10 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: Everyone knows each other regardless of the class that you're in. It is a magnet school, which is set up similar to college. Kerr really developed my academics for college. I learned how to independently learn the material via textbook or lecture notes. Not only were the academics were outstanding; this school is known for their fine arts program, (this is probably because we have no sports). I participated in almost all of the fine arts except music: theatre, art, & speech and debate. Although I never participated in the music department, Kerr High School's choir, band, & orchestra is phenomenal. I graduated 3 years ago I am very proud that they finally gave Kerr's fine arts department an auditorium so that the theatre and music departments could finally display their talents the way it is intended. Staff and student relationships are close. This school allows you to discipline your study habits because of the amount of freedom the school gives the students.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 809 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 61% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  15. Plano Senior High School

    • Plano Independent School District, TX
    • 11-12
    • 900
    11 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: PSHS honestly was a great experience for me because it slightly introduced me to what life will be in college. With a huge open campus, new driving privileges, and the ability to delegate your school schedule, it was a refreshing experience versus what I went through the past 10 years in grade school. MOST teachers were enjoyable and did a fantastic job teaching, however there were some who made going to school a drag. The food on campus wasn't that good, so most of us went off campus for lunch which was always a great time. Lots of opportunities in education, pinnacle school spirit, and a great band!
    Read 900 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,858 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 22% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  16. IDEA Quest College Preparatory

    • Public School
    • Edinburg, TX
    • 6-12
    • 187
    12 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: Idea Quest College Prep has been my home for almost 4 years now. I have made extraordinary memories here with my friends, parents, teacher, and counselors. Here at Idea we have 3 core rules. Sweat the Small stuff, Whatever it Takes, and Closing the Achievement gap. These rules have become the reason why I have made and am still making so many amazing memories. They have made me become close to friends because of study groups, have a close relationship with the counselors, and made me understand my parent's advice.I love Idea Quest! Once a Blazer always a Blazer.
    Read 187 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 741 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 85% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  19. Westchester Academy for International Studies

    • Spring Branch Independent School District, TX
    • 6-12
    • 296
    13 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: Westchester is a charter school in the Spring Branch district that exceeds in diversity within the student population and the inclusion of all backgrounds. The school’s primary focus is academic in nature (and does not have sports teams, however does offer athletic clubs and electives), offering many Pre-AP, AP, and IB courses that successfully prepare students to excel in college or in the workforce. The small community of Westchester allows each student to have the individual attention, if necessary to ensure proficiency and wellness.
    Read 296 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,014 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 58% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  20. Cypress Creek High School

    • Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 611
    14 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: The most precious thing that I want to take with me after graduation is our school’s slogan of “AHH CC! WHAT!”, follows after that is the band students playing their instruments. I love the feelings of energetic and excitement the slogan and the band has given me for the last four years. Those would be the only things I want to stay after four years of studying hard. The second thing I love about my school is the janitors. I love how they always work hard before and after school to keep the environment clean and help the students stay away from the germs. I also love their friendly smile whenever I see them, making me want to keep our environment clean and preventing littering. Thank you Cy Creek :)).
    Read 611 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,247 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 43% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  21. Cypress Ridge High School

    • Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 480
    15 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Junior: I really like my experience at Cypress Ridge so far. I overall like the teachers, I have had and the way the classes have been taught. I was in the Soccer program my first two years and greatly enjoyed it. The Head Coach is dedicated and passionate about the program and developing the players both athletically and academically. The Dual Credit program through the local community college Lone Star is great! It allows you to get College credit for basic classes while being in high school. This Credit can then be applied towards any public college in Texas. If there was one thing I could change it would be to also incorporate some AP test preparation in those Dual Credit Classes as the college credit is not normally accepted by private colleges and outside of Texas.
    Read 480 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,014 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 63% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  22. Creekview High School

    • Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 392
    16 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Freshman: When I chose to go to Creekview High school, the frst thing that drew me to it was the atmosphere. Everyone is so welcoming and it feels like you are apart of a big family! There are so many academic oppurtunities such as dual credit classes, AP classes, as well as internships and actual college classes you can take as a senior.
    Read 392 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,974 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 50% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  23. Victory Early College High School

    • Aldine Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 342
    17 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: I love the school campus, it has great opportunities, and the teachers are amazing! You get the opportunity to get your Associates of Arts before your high school diploma. It is a great opportunity even though it takes a lot of hard work. The teachers will work with you to help you in anything that you need. The school does not have any sports because it is an academic based school. However, it is worth it in the end when you get the opportunity to walk the graduation stage twice.
    Read 342 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 449 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 80% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  26. Eastwood Academy

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 133
    18 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: I've loved my experience at Eastwood. There is a family-like environment created by the accepting and open-minded nature of the people that go here. The number of extracurricular activities has increased over the years, and if you don't find one that appeals to your interest, it is almost effortless to start your club or join a sport at Austin. The new facilities are elegant yet comfortable, and make the school feel like a small college campus. Our school is well known for its outstanding academics. There is a multitude of AP courses offered at no cost and many resources provided by administration to ensure your success in each class. The teachers are not only passionate about ensuring students understand the material, but aim towards getting to know each as an individual and helping them with anything they need. If you focus and excel on your schoolwork, many doors will open for you: from college programs like EMERGE and OneGoal to scholarships and summer activities.
    Read 133 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 419 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 85% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  27. Richardson High School

    • Richardson Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 382
    19 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: I think richardson high school does an amazing job providing an outlet for the arts through their magnet programs. All of the programs give students opportunities they could have never had and accelerate students ahead in their career fields. These programs are very impressive especially for public school where all of these classes are free. The AP courses (offered at every grade level) are also a helpful tool when it comes to preparing for college and career goals. AP classes also provide a more serious learning environment and strive to keep students involved and engaged in the material that may find regular classes easy. Some things that could change really are issues every school experiences, lack of motivation in regular classes as apposed to AP, some teachers not attempting to teach outside the box and really reach out to their students and just small things like that but over all Richardson High School provides amazing classes and opportunities to their students!
    Read 382 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,684 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 47% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  28. Cypress Falls High School

    • Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 622
    20 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: I love the diversity and the teachers at Cy-Falls. The teachers and faculty always encouraged you to give up, and wanted to actually see you succeed. At Falls, you could connect with people from various backgrounds and ethicites while doing a variety of clubs there that you could enjoy. Sports at Cy-Falls, was heavily enthused about, especially when you notable success brings honor to the school. Achieving high academic success, was also valued along with any other extracurricular. The parent involvement was high as the school's constant vocalization of unity and positivity, which is pretty darn high. Falls is a great school with a history of high achieving students and inspirational teachers and faculty. Led by a school-spirted principal and a awesome administrative team under her wing. It has its bumps just like any other high school but overall, Cy-Falls is a great place to be!
    Read 622 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,726 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 47% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  29. KIPP Houston High School

    • Public School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 191
    21 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: The things I like about Kipp Houston Highschool is that they make sure we're ready for college. They provide us with the resources we need to try and become better and create a better future for ourselves. Kipp Houston Highschool has affected me as an individual because it has shaped me to reach for my goals. Something that I would change from Kipp Houston Highschool would be the food, I know its not a big deal but thats the only thing I would change because the food that they surve is not enjoyable. Thats the only thing I would change.
    Read 191 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 643 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 91% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  30. Manor New Technology High School

    • Manor Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 139
    22 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: Manor New Technology High School is very different from other schools. New Tech makes you feel welcome and loved by teachers, staff and friends. I would consider New Tech as family. It’s a great combination of Social and academic life. This school focuses on teaching their students how to succeed in the real world by presenting them with our 5 learning outcomes. Oral communication, Agency, Collaboration, Knowledge and thinking and Written communication. These learning outcomes help us in understand the content we learn in a more uniqe way. Not only do we use these learning outcomes, we are also a project based learning school, which means we learn by doing projects! Although it might seem more advanced than other schools, it’s really worth the time and effort that you put into your education that will affect your future. New Tech has been a great part of my High School career, it’s helped develop great presentation skills, oral communication and so much more.
    Read 139 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 373 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 55% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  32. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 245
    23 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: Growing in an environment of all young women was an accommodation to myself. This school has opened many doors for me, from being in LULAC, Handbells, running club and lacrosse. I've had the opportunity to travel to Boston and visit 4 colleges. I have also volunteered in various places where I have met great connections to other volunteer services. My school enhances the true meaning of college readiness, with the help of all the administration and college bound advisor. Coming to Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School was the best thing I did for myself.
    Read 245 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 281 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 83% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  33. Trinity High School

    • Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, TX
    • 10-12
    • 592
    24 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: My overall experience this year at Trinity Highschool was really fun! There are tons of opportunities for every individual and no one is left out. What I like about this school is that it is very diverse and celebrates that by having our football team perform the “Hakka”- a war dance, before and after every game. Although I think the school is great, the counselors need to be better and know the correct information that they are giving students. There once was a issue where I was given different information from my counselor regarding taking dual credit classes at a college.
    Read 592 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,475 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 47% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  34. Ranchview High School

    • Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 170
    25 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: What I like most about Ranchview is how they always help whenever you need help. They make really fun activities like pep rally’s, student vs teacher game, etc. The counselors always try to do everything they can to help us with anything we need and plan for our education. They make presentations that show us the opportunities that we have and give us guides on how to achieve those goals that we want to accomplish. The students always get along and try their hardest to keep their grades up. We are proud of our school. Together we bring our school to greatness, victory and success. Wolf Pack Pride!
    Read 170 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 864 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 49% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  35. Sponsored

    Lycee International de Houston

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • PK, K-12
    • 4

    Parent: Hello! My two daughters joined the LIH family this year and I'm very satisfied with the education provided. The teachers are skillful and as the ratio by class is very good they can customize their education and adjust to the student. My daughters made huge progress especially in French as they follow the French curriculum. I Definitely recommend the LIH to anybody looking for a warm, nurturing and human size environment.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 175 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Charlottesville Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 7

    Parent: Our family LOVES CCS! Our two boys went through CCS and are much better young men and students as a result. The overall environment at the Catholic School is exceptional. Academically, the students are encouraged, supported, and pushed to do their very best in the classroom. The teachers do an amazing job of reaching each student individually which translates into a trusting, caring, and successful school experience for the student, the parent(s), and also the teacher. In and out of the classroom the teachers and staff also do an extraordinary job of instilling discipline, self-respect and respect for others, thoughtfulness, and a sense of community and personal responsibility. Our boys continue to excel each and every year both as students and as young men in our community and I believe those valuable traits are a direct result of the foundation, mentorship, and guidance that they received as students at the Charlottesville Catholic School.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 337 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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