2023 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas

• Alief Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  486 reviews

Sophomore: Currently, I'm a sophomore at Alief Early College. I totally recommend this school if you're not a big sports fan as we aren't really heavy on the sports here. One thing that's upset me about the school though is how Engineer heavy they are. The only programs they seem to offer are solely for Engineering kids / Mechanics. When I've asked about any other programs such as medical programs, I was given a 'Sorry, but no.' They consider the associates in Science to fall under Medical which to be fair is somewhat true but still heavily disappointing. Otherwise, the school is amazing and ALL the teachers truly care about you. Grades slipping? All the teachers will harass you about it until you bring it back up! With love of course.... Read 486 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 401

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 84%

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  285 reviews

Senior: I had a wonderful time here. All of the students, staff, and teachers are now my family. The opportunities given, the various & diverse clubs, and a college-bound advisor made my high school experience a wonderful experience! Everyone is warm, welcoming, and is willing to help out anyone and everyone! This school taught me to believe in myself, even when things seemed challenging. I am a leader because of the values and the support students receive.... Read 285 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 70%

• Houston Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  398 reviews

Senior: Challenge Early College High School is the best option for students who want to take dual credit college classes and earn an Associates Degree from Houston Community College while also earning a Distinguished High School Diploma. Academics is not as simple, since its always motivating students to pursue higher levels of education by enrolling in as many AP courses as possible. The school environment is relatively small, which allows for effective communication and a flourishing of diversity. The administration and teachers are always willing to assist students in connecting with needed resources and resolving any issues. Challenge is a small, welcoming high school that welcomes and guides young scholars to achieve their goals faster, easier, and for free! Go Eagles!... Read 398 reviews

• grade A

• Students 486

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Free or reduced lunch 72%

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston West, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  128 reviews

Senior: I like to studying in this school because teachers have a chance to give each individual better attention during their studies. This school's focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics makes it a great match. Harmony school offers a good amount of advanced classes to help challenge and propel each student's thirst for knowledge and progress. So, that good!... Read 128 reviews

• grade A

• Students 710

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Free or reduced lunch 46%

• Houston Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  227 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 227 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 499

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Free or reduced lunch 68%

• El Paso Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  261 reviews

Senior: The best thing I would say about Transmountain Early College High School is that teachers are ready to work with you especially if you need help on assignments or homework with the tutoring hours they offer. I would specifically say the math teachers, which is a good thing since a lot of people struggle in math. One thing I would change about this school is the safety. Anyone who is not a member of the school can just walk in, and that is not safe. The reason why is because we are not all in one building. Each portable is a different classroom outside, and collectively we form the school. However, I do love that since the class sizes are small, we form a sort of family because we are sharing the same rigorous work and environment. I know that personally I have made a lot more friends attending this school and it is truly awesome! I would hope that I stay friends with at least one or two of them since after this point, we'll go in our separate directions. I would say to attend here.... Read 261 reviews

• grade A

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 67%

• Houston Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  163 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 163 reviews

• grade A

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Free or reduced lunch 74%

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  286 reviews

Senior: The School of Business and Management helps emerge students in Business. They provide a great guidance to be a great entrepreneur. The school guides you for your business major in college. They help you make connections with entrepreneurs that give you tips to change your lifestyle and mindset. You get to be an amazing projects and organizations that help impact your community.... Read 286 reviews

• grade A

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Free or reduced lunch 68%

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston South, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  373 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 373 reviews

• grade A

• Students 694

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 74%

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  201 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 201 reviews

• grade A

• Students 459

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Free or reduced lunch 65%

• Plano Independent School District, TX•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,152 reviews

Alum: Even before attending Plano West, I had heard about its highly academic environment and extremely hardworking students. Once a member of the Wolfpack, I soon grew to hold the same opinion. Most of the students at Plano West are deeply dedicated to their interests, whether it be a core class such as Chemistry or History, electives such as Sports, Art or Music, and many clubs the school has to offer. As an art student I must rave especially about the Art department, as the teachers are phenomenal. They provide excellent tools, recourses, and education to their students, and genuinely wish to make connections with them in order to ensure their experience in the classroom is as inspiring and productive as possible. Many of my other teachers were also wonderful and have an obvious passion for passing down knowledge to our generation. For this reason, I do wish they were paid more. All in all, a great high school that prepares you for college while providing many academic resources.... Read 1,152 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,717

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 24%

• San Antonio Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  222 reviews

Senior: Travis Early College Highschool is a challenging school that definitely helps you be prepared and ready for colleges, universities, and overall your future success. All the faculty is nice and understanding but there are a few that are very strict with rules. Overall the school itself has a comforting and reassuring environment in which you can find yourself and your friend group. Many of the teachers are very good with understanding different peoples situations, so they are always willing to be flexible as long as you discuss it. The majority of teachers are passionate about our success as students and are always willing to help in any way they can. There are very few to no issues so as a school it is very unproblematic and calm. The food at school is pretty average but its all pretty much good, depending on your taste in food.... Read 222 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 430

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Free or reduced lunch 71%

• Socorro Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  330 reviews

Senior: My experience at Mission Early College Highschool is great. The school is so supportive and will help you achieve your goals and push you to thrive! They are so welcoming and fun, everyone is involved and no one is left out! Its such a small school that’s we are a family and like to do things together! We all are similar for wanting to get our associates and put in that work to reach that goal! They have so many resources, places and people to reach out to and ask for help! Staff is respectful and teachers are fun to learn with! Though the school focuses on college classes and anything that involves in that, we do everything as a normal high school and have our school spirit!... Read 330 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 476

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 63%

• Harmony Public Schools - Houston North, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  231 reviews

Middle School Student: Starting off, the high school, Harmony School of Advancement-Houston or HSA for short, did an amazing job of creating a studious, safe, and interesting environment for the students. The education was great and I from what I personally experienced, it appears that teachers and administrators gather student's opinions and criticism to further the school learning environment and methods of teaching. In additions, teachers were very supportive and guiding towards students who required guidance let it be life out of school or the class itself. I would also like to talk about certain points that HSA could improve on which is food and resources specifically. For the food, there weren't many options and in some cases, there was once milk that was rotting. Though these cases happened at most 2 times a year, I believe that HSA finding better food options for the students would improve this section. As for the resources, from what I see, they could improve on learning resources like smartboards.... Read 231 reviews

• grade A

• Students 708

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 64%

• Houston Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.15 out of 5  634 reviews

Senior: My experience at East Early College High School was more academic than enjoying high school. I mean yes, I did have fun, and I'm still having fun. However, it is more known for dual credit and at the end of our senior year we are able to graduate with our associate's degree if we completed all of our credits. What I liked about my school is that no matter what they made sure we feel safe and that we are glad to be here. They made changes throughout the years by adding sports and clubs so that we can have a somewhat high school experience. I would like them to add a football team because I'm a cheerleader and I would like to cheer for them and have a homecoming with a football game instead of soccer. Don't get me wrong having a soccer game instead of a football game as our homecoming is fun but I just want the experience. It might not be today but someday this school would change so that students can have a full high school experience.... Read 634 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 446

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 83%

• Brownsville Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  251 reviews

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

• grade A

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Free or reduced lunch 93%

• Austin Independent School District, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  136 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 136 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 883

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 42%

• Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  76 reviews

Senior: What I love about Early College High School is that we are a very active school. There are 400 students for the whole student body but it feels like there are a million of us. The benefit of having a small numbered of students is that you get to connect with everyone. Every student is involved with every event that we put out in our school commons. What I need for a change is a bigger school environment while keeping a small number of students. After going for 4 years, I have connected more and more with my peers and the staff. I recommend this school to any student who would like to get ahead in their life. Who has dreams to pursue at an early age!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 341

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Free or reduced lunch 76%

• Idea Public Schools, TX•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  212 reviews

Senior: I like how organize idea quest is because they prioritize mainly in academics but also athletic.Idea give us the students many opportunity to give us an advantage in college because its a college preparatory school.Idea quest is a blue ribbon school,the people in this school work hard to represent our school because we have pride in what we do.The students are all equal and have the same opportunity that other students have, if they put the effort.But to show how much of chances other students have, we have after school activities that can give us a chance to get scholarships or help their resume, to show the after school activities we have at our school.I am proud of going to idea quest because we are all equal and strive for the same goal,to go to college!... Read 212 reviews

• grade A

• Students 742

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 97%

• McAllen Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: Lamar Academy is a rigorous and academically challenging high school, however it pushes students to be the best. I have learned so many skills from this school, such as speaking and writing skills, and I am very happy to be a part of this community. The environment is great, because everyone pushes each other to be the best they can be, and we all support each other through difficult academic times.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A

• Students 93

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Free or reduced lunch 86%

• Judson Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  528 reviews

Senior: Judson Early College Academy is a great school for anyone who is interested in getting a preview of the college experience. From day one, everything is designed to prepare you for not only your current college endeavors but future ones as well. However, I would not recommend this school if you want to go to a large school and participate in a large variety of clubs/extracurriculars. Or if you want to explore your academic interests because there is no variety of courses available (ex. computer science, health science, debate/law). Everyone has a set course plan for all four years. Regardless, once you graduate from JECA you will receive a Highschool Diploma and an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts! JECA is a great experience if you're involved with student activities and take your academics seriously. Despite limited clubs, many available are student run and you can create your own club too. JECA is not your typical high school, but it is still a great experience.... Read 528 reviews

• grade A

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 49%

• Houston Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  157 reviews

Sophomore: Coming from a completely online freshman year due to Covid-19, High School for Law and Justice provided me with an amazing understanding of what an incoming student regularly manages and deals with. Sophomore year was honestly one of my best years yet. I was able to fully grasp the meaning of time management and dedication. I learned that it only gets harder in life as you’re progressing, however your academic work ethic totally makes up for it in the end. I liked that High School for Law and Justice pushes and encourages every student to excel in their classes, try one’s hardest, and show up every day regardless of any circumstance. Having nearly two more years left of high school, High School for Law and Justice has made this a truly welcoming, wonderful, and honoring experience and I believe I speak for everyone when I say this.... Read 157 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 488

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 84%

• Corpus Christi Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  155 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 155 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 417

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Free or reduced lunch 69%

• Pittsburg Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  90 reviews

Sophomore: I have grown up in Pittsburg my entire life and have always heard we are the best school district around. I really believe it. MOST of the staff is really nice and helpful. Of course there are those few teachers that can not teach or are just really rude. To make up for it, a few teachers are really over the top. Erin Griffin is the most extra teacher I've ever had. She is the Student Council Advisor, parking spot coordinator, UIL corrdinator, dual credit teacher, and honors/regular teacher. She really tries her hardest at everything she does. Along with that, we have to best student organizations around. We have Skills USA, DECA, FFA, StuCo, Atheltics, UIL Academics, Band, and many more. All of these organizations are very involved and good at what they do. I am very impressed with the teachers and staff. The biggest problem is the condition of our school. We are embarrassed to have people come in our school. We will vote in November on a bond to build a new one. I'm really excited!... Read 90 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 679

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Free or reduced lunch 74%

• El Paso Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  512 reviews

Junior: Silva has a fantastic learning environment with their being a place for everyone. Since it is a medical program, it has tons of different fields of study depending on your overall preference. The core curriculum is phenomenal as well with their being a well balanced student to teacher ratio. Tutoring sessions are always offered as well as their being upstanding extracurriculars such as HOSA, class committee, and a variety of sports. The academic integrity of every student within the school is strong with their being a high drive for excellence. The work load may seem like a lot from time to time but in comparison to college, it makes most college classes simple. A safe learning environment has been created not only by administration but also by the students as well.... Read 512 reviews

• grade A

• Students 654

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 64%