Exciting Times for Houston Schools: HISD Schools Shine in State Rankings

Exciting Times for Houston Schools: HISD Schools Shine in State Rankings

Houston, TX — There’s a buzz of excitement in the air as school leaders across the Houston Independent School District (HISD) come together to celebrate exceptional academic achievements. On a sunny Monday, August 19, 2024, the energy soared at Hilliard Elementary School with the announcement of HISD’s results from the Texas Education Agency’s 2024 accountability ratings. Superintendent Mike Miles proudly revealed that several HISD campuses have made heads turn with their outstanding performances.

Top-Tier Rankings Among Texas Schools

In the latest rankings from the U.S. News & World Report, two middle schools from Houston have claimed coveted spots among the best 10 public campuses in Texas. T. H. Rogers School stands tall at an impressive No. 8, followed closely by Briarmeadow Charter School at No. 10. These rankings benchmark excellence among more than 4,000 Texas middle schools, showing just how hard these students and teachers have worked.

But the accolades don’t stop there! In the realm of elementary education, West University Elementary School dazzled with a solid No. 20 ranking out of 6,609 elementary schools, while T. H. Rogers School also made the elementary list at No. 23. It’s clear that HISD schools are setting standards that many aim to achieve.

A Closer Look at the Schools

T. H. Rogers School is no ordinary K-8 institution. It’s a Vanguard magnet school, meaning all students here are specifically designated as gifted and talented. Located in the desirable Tanglewood area, T. H. Rogers also offers a unique program called Preparing Students for Independence, catering to students with serious disabilities. This combination of academic rigor and inclusivity makes it a standout educational environment.

Briarmeadow Charter School, on the other hand, is an authorized International Baccalaureate school that opens its doors to all HISD students through the district’s School Choice program. This pre-K through middle school offers a demanding academic program that emphasizes inquiry-based learning. It seems this focus on a rigorous curriculum is truly paying off!

Notably, West University Elementary School has also achieved remarkable scores, demonstrating its commitment to quality education by recently landing a 96 on the unofficial Texas Education Agency accountability rankings for both 2023 and 2024. This makes it the highest-rated HISD school exclusively for elementary-aged kids — another reason for the community to take pride!

The Bigger Picture: Data and Achievements

LaMont Jones, the managing editor for education at U.S. News, shared insightful perspectives on the importance of these rankings. “The data empowers families and communities to advocate for their children’s education,” he noted. He added that students’ performances in early grades significantly influence their future academic success. It’s refreshing to see data being used in ways that foster community and enhance educational opportunities.

More Recognition Across HISD

Even the Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, catering to K-8 learners, ranked among the state’s top schools. All of these accomplishments showcase the hard work and dedication of teachers, students, and families across HISD.

Looking Forward