News Summary
The Texas education system is celebrating the announcement of the top five public high schools in the state, highlighting exceptional performance and dedication. Leading the rankings is the School for the Talented & Gifted in Dallas, alongside the School of Science & Engineering, Liberal Arts & Science Academy, Carnegie Vanguard High School, and Westlake High School. Texas’s overall graduation rate stands at 89.7%, surpassing the national average. The recent approval of an American Indian/Native Studies elective by the State Board of Education reflects a growing focus on diversified ethnic studies in Texas education.
Dallas, Texas – The Texas education system is celebrating a noteworthy achievement as the top five public high schools for 2025 have been announced, showcasing the excellence and dedication of educators and students across the state. Texas has approximately 3,346 public high schools, and the recent rankings compiled by Niche.com highlight how Connecticut’s high schools are performing exceptionally well.
Leading the rankings is the School for the Talented & Gifted (TAG)
Ranked second is the School of Science & Engineering, also located in Dallas. With a student body of 490 and maintaining a similar student-teacher ratio of 18:1, SE ranks 29th nationwide. This school has reported a remarkable 95% proficiency rate in both math and reading, earning it an overall Niche grade of A+. The emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at this institution equips its students for the increasingly competitive fields in these areas.
Coming in third place is the Liberal Arts & Science Academy in Austin, which serves 1,432 students and maintains an 18:1 student-teacher ratio. This school ranks 38th nationally and has also achieved an overall Niche grade of A+. Emphasizing both liberal arts and sciences allows students to explore a wide range of academic disciplines, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
In fourth place is Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston, with an enrollment of 823 students and a slightly higher student-teacher ratio of 22:1. Carnegie Vanguard ranks 31st nationally, with impressive proficiency rates of 95% in math and 99% in reading, also receiving an A+ grade from Niche. The school’s academic rigor and focus on personalized learning contribute to the high success rates of its students.
Lastly, Westlake High School in Austin rounds out the top five with a large student body of 2,825. With a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Westlake boasts an impressive 99% graduation rate, alongside average SAT scores of 1275 and ACT scores of 27.9. The commitment to academic excellence and comprehensive support systems has established Westlake as a premier institution in Texas.
Texas’s overall high school graduation rate is currently at 89.7%, surpassing the national average of 85.9%. This places Texas fifth in the nation concerning graduation rates, reflecting the ongoing efforts to improve education quality across the state.
The State Board of Education has recently made headlines by approving an American Indian/Native Studies elective for state credit by a vote of 9-5. This course, which has received backing from tribal councils and cultural organizations following a successful pilot program in Grand Prairie, aims to enhance students’ understanding of Native cultures and their contributions. While the framework of the course is under scrutiny due to debates surrounding diversity and inclusion in education, proponents argue that ethnic studies can improve engagement and educational outcomes for students.
Previously, the State Board had adopted Mexican American studies standards in 2018 and African American studies in 2020, underscoring a growing interest in diversified ethnic studies within Texas’s educational framework. The discussions surrounding the new Native studies course reflect the ongoing political dialogue on curriculum content and the importance of inclusivity in education.
As Texas high schools continue to excel and embrace diverse educational offerings, students and educators work collaboratively toward a bright future.
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Additional Resources
- KPEL: Best Texas Public High Schools 2025
- Google Search: Texas high schools 2025
- Dallas News: Texas High Schools Debate
- Google Scholar: Texas education system
- Texas Monthly: What Texas Schools Actually Need
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas high schools
- Stacker: Best Public High Schools El Paso Metro Area
- Google News: Texas education
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