Skip to Main Content

2018 Niche Standout High Schools in TexasAbout this List

The 2018 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.

Niche Standout Schools
400 results

  1. Harmony School of Advancement - High School

    • Public School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 171
    1 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 171 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 611 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 47% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Bellaire High School

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 628
    2 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: I attended Bellaire High School all four years and in retrospect would not have chosen a different school. There is a very profound culture of intellectualism among AP students, often leading to a high need to out-compete each other by getting better grades, yet peers are just about always ready to give a helping hand. Most of the AP courses offered here are very successful courses because more often than not most of the students within a class get 3 or above. The academics here really prepare a student to go to a university. The only downfall is that the school is overcrowded and parking absolutely sucks. But last thing I heard was that the school has a 5-year remodeling plan, so I'm looking forward to that! The school has unbelieveable amount of diversity! Probably one of the most diverse high-schools in the nation, so it's no wonder we offer roughly 13 languages here. Bellaire offers more than 100 clubs so there's no excuse to not get involved.
    Read 628 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,584 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 46% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Richards School for Young Women Leaders

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 6-12
    • 119
    3 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 119 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 787 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 58% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Challenge Early College High School

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 301
    4 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: Challenge Early College High School really did a great job in preparing me for college. By immersing us into a college environment, I was able to be prepared for what being a college student would actually be like. Not to mention the amount of money that I saved be taking all the dual credit/college classes required for my associates degree!
    Read 301 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 464 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 72% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Harmony Science Academy High School - Houston

    • Public School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 350
    5 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Niche User: Harmony Science Academy was a completely new experience for me, one which I enjoyed very much. There is so much diversity in this school, both in regard to the student body, as well as the staff. The teachers are able and willing to sit down one-on-one with the students and offer the help they can with school work and homework. I made a lot of friends from different countries, and we all got along well. Harmony has a lot of clubs and after school activities so you could always volunteer in one of them, and thus, I was able to interact more with my classmates and my teachers. If I could choose whether to attend this school again, I would do it again. I think this was personally the best choice of school because it respected my beliefs as a student and helped me succeed.
    Read 350 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 578 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 77% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Harmony Science Academy - North Austin

    • Public School
    • Pflugerville, TX
    • 6-12
    • 72
    6 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: I have been attending Harmony for 6 years and 3 of my siblings are attending there, and hopefully the last one as well. My family comes from Dallas, TX and our first year in Austin, Tx, Harmony opened the doors for me and my family. There are some small problems with Harmony, but they have amazing teachers that care for you and that you are someone in life. They focus a lot on science, obviously, they have science in their school name. I just got recruited by a college in New Jersey, I really wished harmony could focus on sports how they focus on academics. It was hard for me because I really didn't have the school paying for our soccer team. I believe there's a lot of talented people in that school that can play for a college team. I can thank harmony for everything they have done for me, but I really recommend harmony to parents to put their children in Harmony that is now enrolling from K-12.
    Read 72 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 808 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 49% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes
  8. Sponsored

    K12 International Academy

    • Online School
    • Herndon, VA
    • K-12
    • 7

    Senior: K-12 International Academy provides a challenging academic experience while offering all the extra curricular activities you could ever imagine. The class material is relevant and modern. Students can learn in class connect sessions and in study hall with one on one help from their teachers. Teachers are always helpful and professional. The whole set up is well organized and prepares all students for a bright future.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,821 Students
    • 43:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Richardson High School

    • Richardson Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 371
    7 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 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,684 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 47% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Alief Early College High School

    • Alief Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 414
    8 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: Alief Early College High School is a rigorous and prestigious school in a not so prominent area. This school offers the academic advancement for those students willing to put efforts to succeed academically. Being the top school in the district and the safest school you can't go wrong. The only exception would be for those with athletic pursuits because the school does not offer sports. This is for the students who are ready for academic challenges. College readiness and college success are enforced into the everyday of the students. Plus, we get to walk out with a full associates degree in either arts or sciences when we graduate. Excellent school environment, everyone knows each other, being an only 400 student school. Amazing teachers pushing you forward to succeed not just in school, but preparing you for the real world. A national recognized school with a blue ribbon award this school is no joke. If you ask me, why wouldn't you choose this school?
    Read 414 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 432 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 78% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  11. KIPP Houston High School

    • Public School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 182
    9 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: KIPP Houston High School is an amazing school! I have been going to KIPP since the 5th grade and their vision for students to make it to and through college. They instill the belief that we have the power to achieve any goal we set our mind to as long as we put in the hard work. KIPP Hoston High school prepares you and helps you build the skills you will need in college in and the real world. I could not imagine how much I would have missed out on if I went to any other school. I owe a big thank you for teaching me the skills that have resonated with me and I can now apply in college and my everyday life.
    Read 182 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 643 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 91% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Bryan Collegiate High School

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

    Senior: I absolutely loved how much the teachers care about their students. They actually want them to succeed. The school being an early college high school, it brings difficult tasks because teenagers are getting into college. But in my experience the teachers really cared and I have not failed any of my college or high school classes. I would not change anything at the school because I believe that everything the administrators place in front of a student is for the good of the student. Really Great High School to be a part of!
    Read 139 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 430 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 67% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Early College Academy at Southridge

    • Spring Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 80
    11 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Junior: This school offers students the opportunity to graduate with both their high school diploma and associates degree. The school is small- a max of 400 students total, average 100 per grade. There is very supportive staff and resources and opportunities offered at both the high school and the college! Sports aren't offered, however, unless you participate with them in club or with the college.
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 389 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 68% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Cypress Falls High School

    • Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 595
    12 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 595 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,726 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 47% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes
  16. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 7

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Jersey Village High School

    • Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 553
    13 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Alum: Jersey Village High School is a very accommodating and welcoming school that's well equipped for turning students into successful adults. Upon entering the school, you'll get the feeling of openness and opportunity the school offers simply based on the environment you're exposed to. The front of the school features an open pavilion with welcoming benches and several trees to offer shade and an opportunity to relax, study, or reflect. There, you'll be led into the cafeteria which is embezzled in announcements and advertisements for classes, deadlines, clubs, and several extracurricular activities. They offer all sorts of programs;from AP and Dual credit courses, to programs like shop, animation, and programming, as well as sports, cooking, and drama. The growing number of opportunities offered and the standard the school sets itself to makes for an optimal educational setting and launching point for the future.
    Read 553 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,560 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 53% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Talkington School for Young Women Leaders

    • Lubbock Independent School District, TX
    • 6-12
    • 42
    14 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: My experience at Talkington over the past 7 Years has been amazing. The teachers, students, and administration all make the school feel like a family. Because our school is very small, it allows students to learn how to communicate with teachers and create a relationship with them. Also, the rigorous curriculum prepares us for the college work load. As a College preparatory school, Talkington does a really good job of introducing the idea of College at a young age and providing students with resources, such as tours, that make the college application process a lot easier. Finally, Talkington requires all students to complete community service hours and encourages students to participate in many extracurricular activities. Because we are required to do these tasks, we are able to easily fill out College applications and show that we are a well-rounded student and how we can contribute to their campus community.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 449 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 52% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Garland High School

    • Garland Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 483
    15 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: I love the tradition that this school has and there are some teachers who are great. I've been taking mostly AP and honor classes in the 4 years I've attended. My friends who take IB claim it is mediocre but super competitive. Many clubs to join and extracurricular classes. I've been in one regular class and it was not the best learning experience. The new restrooms that were updated are nice, way overdue though. As of right now the Fine Arts building is still under-construction and I'm sure that it'll turn out okay by the looks of the restroom. There is a safety issue concerning the amount of doors all over the building, hopefully they do whatever they need to add security to the school. The food is absolutely disgusting! They don't even release the full nutrition labels that the FDA usually requires on your standard package of food, they only describe the possible allergens in the food and it's very hard to tell what exactly the food is made out of.
    Read 483 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,650 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 61% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Lamar High School

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 668
    16 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Junior: Well i’m a Junior and overall my experience has been pretty interesting. Through the years I ran into a lot of things I wasn’t familiar with especially transferring from Middle School to Hight School... Lamar taught me lot and helped me get ready for college and strengthening my time management skills and getting the resources and information I need to be successful!
    Read 668 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,351 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 46% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Young Womens Leadership Academy

    • Grand Prairie Independent School District, TX
    • 6-11
    • 17

    Senior: I am currently a senior at Young Women's Leadership Academy and have enjoyed my experience here. I started at this school from the 7th grade and have made many great friends. The classes aren't too big and I get more time with my teachers. The small staff and small class allows you to get closer with the teachers and you get to know each student very well. The teachers are preparing us for college with challenging classes but are there ready to help at any time. We have a college bound adviser who is available any time you need her and she gets to know everyone. Our school as a whole is very focused on succeeding and getting into college, but it's not only that. It's also about friendship and having a comfortable environment to learn and grow. My time here is coming to an end but I have many memories, great opportunities, and long lasting friendships.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,226 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 81% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Sherman High School

    • Sherman Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 109
    17 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Niche User: This school is pretty good being a public school. The staff has changes a lot, and their focus is back on the students. They have a large band section that involves any music aficionado. They are top 2% in all of Texas for academics. All of the sports teams are evenly funded, and Mrs. Richey encourages her cheer leaders to work hard and support each other. The drama club is always going to state for their one act plays. Overall Sherman High School has something for everyone.
    Read 109 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,778 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 57% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Young Women'S College Preparatory Academy

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 6-12
    • 64
    18 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Junior: Attending for Young Women College Preparatory Academy for 6 years has prepared me academically for the future ahead of me in my college path. Making every individual reach their full potential and giving them a sense of authority as future female leaders in the STEM related field. It has exponentially provided many courses is which one can challenge herself and have many opportunities.
    What i do suggest in changing is the limited fields available in the campus. To not only have a superior engineering field but also medical, nursing and other STEM related that are students might feel interested in majoring in the future.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 623 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 70% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Houston Academy for International Studies

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 159
    19 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Freshman: HAIS (Houston Academy for International Studies) has a very nice atmosphere. The students and staff are friendly and approachable. HAIS is also an Early College Highschool. We have the option of walking or taking the bus to HCC (Houston Community College). The bus's arrival time varies because the driver changes often. The bus is usually on time though. Walking is much quicker so I personally enjoy walking. We only have clubs on Fridays which is kind of upsetting. The length of our clubs is only 30 minutes (i wish the time was longer).It is mandatory that we join a club. Overall, HAIS has a great atmosphere with hardworking and friendly students.
    Read 159 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 429 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 70% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  27. North Garland High School

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

    Senior: At North Garland High School, there is a community created by the students and staff, though not necessarily the administration, that assists students in determining what career fields they want to enter. These communities, most notably the medical and engineering communities, HST and PLTW, are the prominent communities at NGHS. Personally, I have been in HST more. In HST, the educators there have a devoted passion for introducing students to the medical field and believe wholeheartedly that any student that enters into the HST Wing has the potential to become a healthcare professional. It doesn’t hurt that the educators themselves were previously healthcare professionals themselves. There are registered nurses, chiropractors, an athletic trainer, and medical technologist teaching a variety of healthcare courses designed to be a stepping stone into the field of medicine for any student whose passion lies in it.
    Read 622 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,681 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 69% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Mumford High School

    • Mumford Independent School District, TX
    • 7-12
    • 14
    21 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    High School Senior: I would like to choose this school again if I can because, the teachers and students in here are friendly. The students in here have the great endeavor toward theirs careers in life. They recognize how significance role of education impact on their life and they take any opportunity as much as they can to help them success. Not only the students, but also the teachers have the passionate and whole-hearted toward their students.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 227 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 73% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes
  29. Review Your School

  30. Victory Early College High School

    • Aldine Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 333
    22 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 333 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 449 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 80% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  31. Berkner High School

    • Richardson Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 557
    23 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: Berkner high school is a decent school overall, but the STEM program excels in academics. The band is very good, and fine arts overall is held to a high level of excellence here. The STEM program has a good robotics course, and recently added aerospace and biotech as potential tracks. I would highly recommend it if you can get in!
    Read 557 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,467 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 55% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Smith High School

    • Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 255
    24 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

    Senior: Has nice and caring teachers. Offers many challenging courses including AP, Honors, Dual credit, and so on. Many clubs. Nice Lunch!
    Read 255 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,909 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 62% Free or Reduced Lunch
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 16