James M Steele Early College High School

James M Steele Early College High School in Roanoke, TX, is a small, specialized high school serving 309 students in grades 9-12 within the Northwest Independent School District (Isd), and it consistently ranks among the top 5% of all high schools in Texas, currently placing 28th out of 2,009 schools.

This school is a standout for its exceptional academic performance, far exceeding nearby comprehensive high schools. For example, on the 2025-2026 STAAR tests, Steele achieved 96.5% proficiency in Biology and 95.2% in English I Reading, compared to 89.6% and 81.4% at Byron Nelson High School and 72.9% and 55.6% at Northwest High School. The school also ranks #1 in Texas for its effectiveness with Special Education students, a remarkable achievement that shows its inclusive model works for all learners. Its success is driven by the Early College model, which lets students earn college credit, and a low student-to-teacher ratio of 15.7, supported by higher per-student spending ($12,708) than larger schools like Byron Nelson ($8,958). While Steele excels across nearly all student groups, its performance with Gifted and Talented students (79th percentile) suggests room for growth in challenging its highest achievers.

Interestingly, Steele has a near-identical peer in the neighboring Keller Independent School District (Isd): Keller Collegiate Academy, which also ranks in the 99th percentile and achieves similar test scores, like 100% proficiency in Biology and English I Reading. This highlights the proven success of the Early College model in the region. Steele’s graduation rate dipped during the pandemic (67.4% in 2019-2020) but quickly rebounded to 98% by 2021-2022, showing strong resilience. For parents seeking a rigorous, supportive environment with a track record of elite results, Steele offers a compelling option that stands out even in a district with other strong schools.