Best High Schools in Laredo, TX

The 15 high schools in Laredo, Texas, serve grades 9-12 across two major public districts and several charter networks, reflecting a diverse educational landscape in a border city with significant socioeconomic challenges.

Hector J Garcia Early College High School stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 98th percentile statewide with a 100% graduation rate and near-perfect test scores, despite serving an 89.8% economically disadvantaged population. In contrast, the comprehensive high schools in Laredo Independent School District (Isd)—Martin High School, Nixon High School, and Dr Leo Cigarroa High School—rank in the 8th to 15th percentiles, with graduation rates around 85-90% and critically low English II Reading proficiency (around 5%). Meanwhile, United Independent School District (Isd) schools like United High School and John B Alexander High School perform significantly better, ranking in the 72nd and 74th percentiles respectively, with graduation rates above 97% and lower poverty rates (53-59%). Charter schools show mixed results: Harmony School Of Excellence - Laredo ranks near the middle (49th percentile), while Premier H S Of Laredo and Triumph Public High Schools-Laredo North struggle with graduation rates as low as 46-57%.

A key takeaway is that spending per student does not guarantee success—Dr Leo Cigarroa High School spends $12,411 per student but ranks in the 8th percentile, while Hector J Garcia Early College High School spends only $8,267 and excels. Additionally, English II Reading proficiency is a city-wide weakness, with even top schools like United High School achieving only 50.35% proficiency, well below the state average of 59.88%. For parents, the data clearly shows that United Independent School District (Isd) offers stronger overall performance, while the early college model at Hector J Garcia Early College High School provides exceptional outcomes despite high poverty levels.