Houston Independent School District (Isd)

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) encompasses 273 schools, including 180 elementary schools, 42 middle schools, 46 high schools, and 5 alternative schools. These schools serve a diverse student population across the Houston metropolitan area. The district features several standout schools, such as Carnegie Vanguard High School, which ranks 8th out of 1,987 Texas high schools, and Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, which ranks 91st out of 4,675 Texas elementary schools. These high-performing schools demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, with over 90% of students meeting or exceeding state standards in core subjects.

The data reveals a wide range of performance across HISD schools, with some institutions struggling to reach 20-30% proficiency in STAAR exams, while others excel with 90-95% of students meeting or exceeding standards. Graduation rates tend to hover around the district average of 83%, and dropout rates are generally 3.5%. Socioeconomic factors appear to play a significant role, as schools with higher percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch often have lower academic outcomes. Magnet and specialized schools, such as the early college high schools, consistently rank among the top performers in the district, highlighting the benefits of targeted educational programs.

Overall, the HISD school system presents a diverse landscape, with both high-achieving and underperforming institutions. Addressing the equity and access challenges faced by the district's most disadvantaged schools will be crucial in ensuring all students receive a quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.