HOUSTON (Monday, November 10, 2025) – For over two decades, CHILDREN AT RISK has released its annual Texas School Rankings to spotlight academic excellence, support family decision-making, and drive informed dialogue around public education. 

This year’s rankings highlight schools excelling in student achievement, growth, and college readiness, while placing special emphasis on Gold Ribbon Schools—those that serve predominantly low-income populations and still achieve strong academic outcomes. In a time of growing concern around chronic absenteeism, instructional time, and resource equity, these schools stand out as examples of what’s possible in Texas education. 

The 2024–2025 statewide analysis ranks over 7,000 public schools across the state and highlights student achievement on STAAR tests, campus performance compared to similar schools, year-over-year student growth, and at the high school level, college readiness through graduation and participation in college-prep activities. 

On Monday, November 10th at 10:00 AM CT, CHILDREN AT RISK will host a press conference to announce the Top high, middle, and elementary schools in the Greater Houston region, also highlighting the Gold Ribbon Schools that are going above and beyond in supporting low-income students. 

 New this year, the Gold Ribbon analysis has been expanded to include charter and magnet campuses serving a student body of more than 75% economically disadvantaged students while still earning an A or B rating in the rankings. Those campuses that receive an A or a B in the CHILDREN AT RISK rankings are considered high performing, high poverty. 

The 2024-2025 school year analysis covers 1,486 public schools in Houston, including 912 elementary schools and 372 middle schools ranked across three main areas, and 202 high schools ranked across four main areas:  

• Student Achievement- How students do on state standardized tests (STAAR)  

• Campus Performance-  How a school compares in test scores to schools with similar levels of poverty  

• Student Growth- How students improve on their STAAR tests from the previous school year  

• College Readiness – High Schools Only-  How many high school students are graduating on time and participating in other college-readiness activities  

A school’s performance on each of the items above is averaged to calculate its ranking for the 2024-2025 school year. 

About CHILDREN AT RISK

CHILDREN AT RISK is a research and advocacy nonprofit leading the way in improving the quality of life for Texas’ children. CHILDREN AT RISK considers the whole child by tracking issues in children’s health, safety, education, and economic security to improve equity and justice for all Texas families. Committed to action beyond the data, CHILDREN AT RISK drives evidence-based change by speaking out on behalf of children. For more information, visit childrenatrisk.org, Facebook, and Twitter.