August 22, 2025

Dallas Schools Shine in U.S. News Rankings

News Summary

The U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its list of the best public high schools, featuring three schools from the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) in the top 25 nationally. The rankings highlight the School for the Talented and Gifted as Texas’s highest-ranked school at ninth, followed by the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School at 15th and the School of Science and Engineering at 23rd. Furthermore, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) also boasts notable rankings, showcasing the educational excellence in Texas.

Dallas, Texas

U.S. News & World Report has revealed its list of the best public high schools for the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting three schools from the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) among the top 25 in the United States. The rankings were derived from data gathered from more than 24,000 public high schools and reflected metrics related to state testing, graduation rates, and college-level exams.

The School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas stands out as the highest-ranked school in Texas, placing ninth nationally. This school is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the individual abilities of its students. Its successful alumni have gained admission to prestigious institutions, such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and Columbia.

Another notable institution, the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, ranked 15th nationally. This school is recognized for its STEM-focused curriculum and core values that prioritize leadership, college preparedness, and wellness life skills. Following closely, the School of Science and Engineering achieved a 23rd national ranking and provides an accelerated college preparatory program that emphasizes STEM education.

Performance of Dallas Schools

The top three DISD schools also hold the best rankings in Texas, showcasing a strong presence in national educational standards. These institutions are part of the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in Dallas, which comprises six magnet schools known for their academic excellence.

Achievements of Houston Area Schools

In addition to Dallas schools, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) has made a significant mark with its top six schools in the Greater Houston area. Two HISD schools are featured in the top 10 within Texas and the top 100 nationally. Schools like Kerr High School in Alief ISD, Harmony School of Innovation in Katy, Spring Early College Academy in Spring ISD, and Seven Lakes High School in Katy ISD also claimed spots among the top 10 schools in the Houston region.

Overall, HISD leads with the largest number of schools on the top 100 list, with 19 schools included. YES Prep follows with 11 schools, while Katy ISD contributes eight schools to this impressive tally.

Evaluation Methodology

The rankings assess school performance using various metrics, taking into account not only overall achievement but also the success of underserved students. The evaluation process incorporated data from multiple third-party sources, including information from the U.S. Department of Education and state-wide assessments.

Conclusion

The latest U.S. News rankings underscore the quality and dedication of educators, students, and communities in Texas, particularly highlighting the impressive achievements of the Dallas Independent School District and Houston Independent School District. These comprehensive evaluations serve as a testament to the robust academic environments fostered in these Texas schools.