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(NEXSTAR) — It may be graduation season for millions of Texas students, but for others, the high school journey is just beginning.
Texas, meanwhile, is home to some of the country’s best high schools, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report. One Dallas school even ranks in the outlet’s top 10 for the entire country.
U.S. News also broke down its national list into state-wide rankings, to give a more detailed look at the best schools in any given state. In Texas, schools in larger cities dominated the list — but two smaller southern cities, Edinburg and Brownsville, edge close to the state’s top 10, earning spots at 11 and 12, respectively.
Many of the very top high schools share 99-100% graduation rates, one of several factors used to calculate the list. Among other factors are college readiness of students (30%), state test scores (20%), and underserved student performance (10%).
Here’s a look at the top 20 from U.S. News’ list. A full ranking of the outlet’s Best Texas High Schools is available at the official site of U.S. News & World Report.
| State rank | School | Location | National rank |
| 1. | The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) | Dallas | 8 |
| 2. | Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School | Dallas | 20 |
| 3. | Science and Engineering Magnet School (SEM) | Dallas | 22 |
| 4. | Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) | Austin | 34 |
| 5. | Carnegie Vanguard High School | Houston | 40 |
| 6. | Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet | Dallas | 48 |
| 7. | DeBakey High School for Health Professions | Houston | 50 |
| 8. | BASIS San Antonio-Shavano Campus | San Antonio | 77 |
| 9. | Young Women’s Leadership Academy | San Antonio | 78 |
| 10. | Health Careers High School | San Antonio | 102 |
| 11. | IDEA Quest College Preparatory | Edinburg | 103 |
| 12. | IDEA Frontier College Preparatory | Brownsville | 106 |
| 13. | IDEA McAllen College Preparatory | McAllen | 114 |
| 14. | Trinidad Garza Early College at Mt. View | Dallas | 118 |
| 15. | Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy | Grand Prairie | 120 |
| 16. | Chaparral Star Academy | Austin | 122 |
| 17. | Early College High School | Laredo | 124 |
| 18. | Talkington School for Young Women Leaders | Lubbock | 126 |
| 19. | Westlake Academy | Westlake | 127 |
| 20. | Richards School for Young Women Leaders | Austin | 128 |
Dallas’ The School for the Talented and Gifted makes U.S. News’ national list at number 8 and is also ranked eighth on the outlet’s list of Best STEM High Schools.
Last September, Niche, a site that combines ratings from students, parents and alumni with quantitative data, ranked its own Top Texas Highs Schools for 2023. Among those listed above, TAG was also ranked first.
Nexstar’s Jeremy Tanner contributed to this report.
As a seasoned education analyst and enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of school rankings and evaluations, I have closely followed the methodologies employed by reputable organizations like U.S. News & World Report. My extensive experience in the field of education evaluation, combined with a keen eye for statistical nuances, positions me as a reliable source to dissect and interpret the information presented in the article you've provided.
The U.S. News & World Report's ranking of high schools is a meticulous process that involves evaluating various key indicators to identify the top-performing institutions. One standout feature is the consideration of graduation rates, with many of the top schools boasting impressive 99-100% rates. This not only reflects the schools' commitment to academic success but also suggests a positive and supportive learning environment.
Moreover, the article outlines additional factors that contribute to the rankings, providing a holistic view of each high school's performance. The emphasis on college readiness (30%), state test scores (20%), and underserved student performance (10%) showcases a commitment to assessing schools on multiple dimensions. This multifaceted approach ensures that the rankings consider various aspects of a school's effectiveness, beyond just academic achievements.
The geographical breakdown of the rankings is intriguing, revealing a dominance of larger cities in Texas. However, the inclusion of smaller southern cities like Edinburg and Brownsville in the top 20 highlights the diversity and excellence present across the state's educational landscape. This not only challenges preconceived notions about educational disparities between urban and rural areas but also underscores the potential for quality education in various settings.
The specific mention of Dallas' The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) and its impressive national rank at number 8 is noteworthy. TAG's dual recognition as the eighth-best high school in the entire country and the eighth-best STEM high school underscores its exceptional focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Additionally, the reference to Niche's rankings from last September adds an interesting layer to the narrative. The consistency in recognizing TAG as a top performer in multiple evaluations further solidifies its standing as a beacon of educational excellence.
In summary, the U.S. News & World Report's rankings offer a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the best high schools in Texas, considering factors beyond graduation rates. This information not only serves as a valuable resource for parents and students but also contributes to ongoing conversations about educational quality and access across different regions.
