2022 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

Alief Early College High School

• Alief Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.12 out of 5  473 reviews

Alum: Going to AECHS was truly a developing experience. Though, I didn't have what's considered to be the typical "High School experience", the sacrifice was worth the reward. Seeing that the idea of "early colleges" was new to Alief, my class was the last bunch from the experimental group of students. We were allowed the opportunity to take our core classes and gain our associate's degree. Thus saving anywhere from $20k-$40k for college and a HUGE headache with financial aid. I did wish we had a broader subject choice to choose from instead of only science and art, but I knew it'd take some time for them to be able to broaden the choices for the early college students. Wonderful area to cultivate needed skills to handle the college workload. Plus the resources have increased rapidly since I've graduated. You'll really feel like a family down there because everyone knows each other (student body is roughly 400+).
Read 473 Reviews

• grade A+

• 403 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 82% Free or Reduced Lunch

Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School

• Dallas Independent School District, TX
• 6-12
• Rating 3.84 out of 5  270 reviews

Junior: Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School has been such a blessing. Going back all the way in 2006, my older sister went to the same school. She is now in college, getting her bachelors degree, all with the help of Irma Rangel. This school helps students understand the importance of applying oneself and going to college. With the help of an amazing college bound advisory, we have a college graduation rate of 99%. The only reason I take 1 star off is because of the fact of how small it is, and there are no sports. Basketball plays such an important role in my life, and my high school has nothing to offer about sports. I believe sports can be a great outlet of stress or frustration students may endure during high school. Other than that, Irma Rangel has been an amazing school.
Read 270 Reviews

• grade A+

• 554 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 71% Free or Reduced Lunch

Challenge Early College High School

• Houston Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.8 out of 5  383 reviews

Senior: Challenge Early hosts a relatively small campus and study body which generally means every student knows one another which contributes to family-like campus culture. The faculty itself is the main contributor to its rating, however. Each teacher is dedicated to building relationships with students in a way that contributes to the development of the student both mentally and academically. However, the administration acts as a blockade on the student body and even faculty which prevents it from getting an 5 out of 5.
Read 383 Reviews

• grade A

• 473 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 73% Free or Reduced Lunch

Harmony School of Innovation - Sugar Land

• Public School
• SUGAR LAND, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.66 out of 5  112 reviews

Senior: I have personally had a great experience in Harmony. It is a school that truly emphasizes in the STEM curriculum. One of the biggest benefits I have seen in school is the amount of counselors available per grade level , ultimately allowing you to get more face to face interaction with your counselors whom help you a lot. Especially during Senior Year. The population is also a whole lot more smaller than those of a public school which I think is quite incredible.I think that anyone who wants to strive and become a better student with hopes of becoming some form of an engineer or doctor , this is the right place to be. However if you hope to play processional soccer or get drafted for the NFL or NBA , this is probably not the place for you. Great school!
Read 112 Reviews

• grade A

• 713 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 53% Free or Reduced Lunch

Houston Academy for International Studies

• Houston Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.7 out of 5  212 reviews

Senior: I love HAIS! I really do. Transitioning from a big middle school to a small high school I thought I would hate it but I genuinely love it there! It's like everyone is a big family the small campus is perfect because everyone is friends with everybody and the teachers know and have bonds with every student. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the administration is so helpful with our dual credit schedules and answering any questions students may have. The after school activities and clubs and assemblies are all things I really look forward to because kids can express their creativity in fun, educational, interactive ways. Also the study abroad program is so amazing for kids to take place in and the faculties support behind us 100% makes it even more remembering. HAIS is a great school and I'm so glad I've had the privilege of going there. Truly made memories and friendships I will never forget!
Read 212 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 497 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 66% Free or Reduced Lunch

Harmony Science Academy - Houston

• Public School
• HOUSTON, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.28 out of 5  368 reviews

Senior: The diverse and open-minded individuals in this school allow for the students to be more open to ideas and different cultures/ethnicities. This school also doesn't take students from the district, but actually all over Houston. This allows for different opinions and ideas of certain topics to be discussed between the students openly. This school also has a strict 'no-bullying' policy and that is seen in the interactions between student and teacher as every teacher in this school tries to have a connection with the students. Since this school is quite small, the ratio of student to teacher is small as well, leading to a well-knit community in this school.
Read 368 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 644 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 79% Free or Reduced Lunch

School of Business & Management

• Dallas Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.91 out of 5  279 reviews

Senior: The thing that I loved the most about the School of Business and Management was the lessons from the teachers. Every business teacher helps you build knowledge about the business world while giving you the resources neccessary to get a head start. All of the teachers want the students to succeed thus they help you develop fundamental skills. The various clusters or classes such as accounting or marketing allow students to choose what business section they would like to follow. Personally, I believe that the accounting classes are very useful for they allow you to see how the money is used throughout the entire company. It will help understand what can be fixed in a business in order to make more revenue.
Read 279 Reviews

• grade A

• 493 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 73% Free or Reduced Lunch

Eastwood Academy

• Houston Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.85 out of 5  156 reviews

Sophomore: Eastwood Academy is a great high school for students that want to exercise their minds with constant simplified learning with the phenomenal teachers who at their student service at all time. Eastwood Academy becomes a dream school by adding more extracurricular activities to students such as sports and music. Eastwood Academy gives their students the ability to express themselves and express their creativity across the school. The various student hosted clubs are very welcoming to new members to interact with one another. With a small population of students, everyone has the chance to get to know one another and the school population truly becomes a family. The various courses becomes a big bonus when seeking for an educational challenge to face and overcome. Efficient teaching and learning is Eastwood Academy top priority and specialty for students. Eastwood Academy High School is an excellent school for students with a thirst for knowledge.
Read 156 Reviews

• grade A

• 447 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 77% Free or Reduced Lunch

Transmountain Early College High School

• El Paso Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  248 reviews

Senior: Transmountain Early College High School is a great place to go to high school as it brings new challenges to the students to become more independent, skillful, and prepared for life after high school. TMECHS staff encourage students to experience new things and try our best on academics, social life, and more in order for us to develop into intelligent young adults ready to pursue our dreams in the future. TMECHS is overall an amazing High School to attend, bringing the best out of their students.
Read 248 Reviews

• grade A

• 403 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 67% Free or Reduced Lunch

Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet School

• Dallas Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.08 out of 5  190 reviews

Senior: Though I was disappointed about missing out on my first choice of high school, I quickly realized that the Law Magnet was a far better option for me. Students at the Law Magnet are taught how to be better students, citizens, and leaders of their community. I am grateful that our school administration has put together such a top-notch group of teachers. Nearly all of the ones employed by Law are adored by their students. At the Law Magnet, the best-of-the-best students meet the best-of-the-best staff.

I'm proud to be a Law Magnet student!
Read 190 Reviews

• grade A

• 439 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 69% Free or Reduced Lunch

Harmony School of Advancement-Houston

• Public School
• HOUSTON, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.6 out of 5  225 reviews

Senior: Harmony School of Advancement is a good school for STEM-focused students. The school offers a wide variety of AP, DC, and PLTW classes for students to get advanced hands on learning in a variety of subjects. The overall learning environment is more focused on the individual student, as compared to public schools, because the class sizes are a lot smaller! However, the school does not have the best athletics program or creative art program.
Read 225 Reviews

• grade A

• 665 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 63% Free or Reduced Lunch

Mission Early College High School

• Socorro Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.18 out of 5  323 reviews

Junior: Mission Early College is a very diverse and advanced High school. The student here are very accepting and they create a very healthy and positive environment. The actual school doesn't have the best funding and the nicest facilities but despite that, the school still provides opportunities for you to succeed. This school provides a variety of extracurricular activities but despite the expansive amount of activities, they do not provide high school sports that compete with other high schools. Some examples of extracurricular activities provided are robotics, the Science National Honor Society, Student counsel, and more. They also discourage the use of drugs and violence even though it is very uncommon for anyone to be participating, they will enforce punishments. The facilities are very sanitary and regularly cleaned especially since the beginning of covid-19. I would recommend this school to anyone who is diligent and productive enough to keep up with the rigorous education.
Read 323 Reviews

• grade A

• 469 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 70% Free or Reduced Lunch

Plano West Senior High School

• Plano Independent School District, TX
• 11-12
• Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,113 reviews

Senior: Very good academics! Overall great school. The food is not the best, very limited options especially for vegetarians.
Read 1,113 Reviews

• grade A+

• 2,695 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 19% Free or Reduced Lunch

East Early College High School

• Houston Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.12 out of 5  621 reviews

Senior: East Early College High School is exactly what it sounds like, an early college. It is amazing that the school offers the ability to graduate with and associates of your choice. It has great teachers who are willing to help the students with anything they require academically and mentally. It is definitely not an easy school, but the amount of support offered by both the counselors and the teachers make it incredibly easy for students to have the highest chance of success possible. Aside from the great academics and staff, the school offers a huge variety of clubs. The clubs can be in forms of theatre, student body, national competition clubs, debate, gardening, and many more clubs. For every teacher there is in the school, there are as many clubs. The possibilities for success, personal growth, and academic growth are endless at this school. I highly suggest that anyone who has the ability to attend chooses to do so. I believe i made the perfect decision in deciding to attend EECHS.
Read 621 Reviews

• grade B+

• 457 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 86% Free or Reduced Lunch

Richards School for Young Women Leaders

• Austin Independent School District, TX
• 6-12
• Rating 4.02 out of 5  130 reviews

Senior: The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders really lives up to its mission statement. Having the chance to attend the school for up to 6 years, the students really create a strong relationship with staff and faculty! From 6th to 11th grade, girls are required to take field trips to colleges where they're able to feel what it's like being on a college campus. In 11th grade, girls get the experience of having the ability to be an intern at a company based on the pathway they chose in 9th grade : engineering, media-tech, or bio-med. Such an amazing school, and great for preparing for college.
Read 130 Reviews

• grade A

• 876 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 46% Free or Reduced Lunch

Collegiate High School

• Corpus Christi Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.26 out of 5  153 reviews

Senior: This school is amazing! I am senior at this school and the support system from the teachers, staff, and counselors is amazing. The environment from students is also wonderful, there always seems to be individuals that you can hang out with. Nobody is left out and everybody is included at the school. It also helps that students have the opportunity to get their associate's degree of liberal arts at Collegiate! One has the opportunity to also make connections with professors which is something that I did to get my letter of recommendation. Overall the school is amazing in terms of the support system and the environment that students are in. It is a good and friendly school for any type of student! :)
Read 153 Reviews

• grade A

• 422 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 60% Free or Reduced Lunch

Lamar Academy

• McAllen Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.24 out of 5  63 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 63 Reviews

• grade A

• 108 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 81% Free or Reduced Lunch

Judson Early College Academy

• Judson Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.92 out of 5  507 reviews

Sophomore: I would definitely recommend this school. There are many opportunities just waiting for you! Currently, I'm a Sophmore in J.E.C.A, and I believe it has already changed me. Although this school does not have any sports, we do have clubs and other ways to get a workout. I mean walking to college every day is already a pretty good work out. Oh yeah, I said college. During our regular high school classes, we also take college courses. Starting in freshman year and ending in senior year. By the end of your high school life, you will receive not only a "High school diploma" but also an "Associate degree". that what I meant by the great opportunity we get. This high school prepares you for life and college. Remember it's not IF you are going to college, its WHAT college are you going to pick.
Read 507 Reviews

• grade A

• 452 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 52% Free or Reduced Lunch

Brownsville Early College High School

• Brownsville Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  245 reviews

Alum: My overall high school experience as a high school student was great! Would not have asked for a different high school experience. The friends, coaches, teacher and unforgettable memories were great overall. Could say that the food needs to be different and the possibility to give the future students more possible resources that will teach them about college classes, registration, scholarship opportunities, loans and the basics to understand how things actually work.
Read 245 Reviews

• grade A

• 390 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 93% Free or Reduced Lunch

IDEA Quest College Preparatory

• Public School
• EDINBURG, TX
• 6-12
• Rating 3.57 out of 5  207 reviews

• grade A

• 720 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 97% Free or Reduced Lunch

Travis Early College High School

• San Antonio Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.99 out of 5  213 reviews

Senior: This school does an amazing job when preparing students for college. In fact, you attend college classes at this high school, which further prepares students when they go on to a four-year university. You take classes at San Antonio College which helps the students understand the college environment. It helps financially challenged families since students earn an associates degree that allows most students to skip the first two years in college. The teachers are very helpful and generous in classes, but will get on you if you are falling behind. The school also helps you choose your career during a college readiness program (AVID), which you take all four years of high school. The school as amazing academic extra curricular activities such as academic decathlon/octathlon, Model UN, National Honor Society, etc. However, there are no sports teams or band because the school is academic based (you would have to participate in these things at the high school you would normally go into).
Read 213 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 399 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 72% Free or Reduced Lunch

Early College High School

• Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: I honestly really liked ECHS or Early College High School. The reason for this is because I feel like it really pushes you to be better and really trains you to deal with stress and real life projects that we would have in college and in future jobs/careers. I also feel like it really is just a good environment with a lot of great opportunities. I feel like the way some things are can be fixed. Sometimes we have to keep switching to different rooms and the food is not the best. Overall, I would recommend, but ONLY if you're ready for stress.
Read 66 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 349 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 75% Free or Reduced Lunch

Idea Mays College Preparatory

• Public School
• SAN ANTONIO, TX
• 6-11
• Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Sophomore: I am a student attending IDEA Mays and I have really made a connection with the teachers and staff because I feel that they actually care about me and are excellent and getting the information across to us including personalized help if it is required.
Read 2 Reviews

• grade A

• 625 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 85% Free or Reduced Lunch

Silva Health Magnet School

• El Paso Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 4.11 out of 5  496 reviews

Alum: Very complex curriculum, but worth it. Silva really helps make outstanding students who are constantly under pressure but this helps relief the college pressure and definitely gets you ready for it. Would recommend to any students interested in the medical field as the magnet take you on clinical rotations where every student part-takes and get to see surgeries, dental cleanings, physical therapy, and more!
Read 496 Reviews

• grade A

• 714 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 64% Free or Reduced Lunch

Pittsburg High School

• Pittsburg Independent School District, TX
• 9-12
• Rating 3.45 out of 5  88 reviews

Junior: I like how all the teachers and students are all wonderful and helpful. I just moved to Pittsburg and I’ve never went to a school with such an amazing community. The teachers are wonderful and they love to help students when they’re having problems. What I would like to see change is maybe the building, the school buildings are big but we have to many students for the school it’s self.
Read 88 Reviews

• grade B+

• 706 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 73% Free or Reduced Lunch