News Summary
Three institutions from the Dallas Independent School District have earned national recognition, according to U.S. News & World Report. The School for the Talented and Gifted ranks first in Texas and ninth nationally, supported by impressive college readiness scores. Following closely are Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School and the School of Science and Engineering, ranked for their commitment to STEM education. These rankings showcase the strong educational foundation in DISD and underscore Texas’s role in providing quality high school education.
Dallas has recognized its public high schools on a national level as three institutions within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) have been named among the best in Texas, according to the recent rankings released by U.S. News & World Report for the 2025-2026 school year. The School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas leads the pack, ranking as the highest school in Texas and ninth in the nation.
U.S. News evaluated over 24,000 public high schools across the country, ranking nearly 18,000 based on a series of performance indicators. Among these criteria were college readiness, state assessment proficiency, graduation rates, and other essential measurements, concluding with an overall score from zero to 100 to reflect each school’s performance.
The School for the Talented and Gifted achieved a remarkable college readiness score of 99.3. The institution emphasizes nurturing the unique abilities of each student and has a track record of sending graduates to some of the country’s most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and Columbia. Its focus on academic excellence and individual growth has solidified its reputation in the educational landscape.
Following closely is Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, which secured the 15th spot nationally and claimed the second position within Texas. This school is dedicated to providing a strong STEM curriculum while fostering leadership skills among its students. The emphasis on these critical areas demonstrates the school’s commitment to preparing young women for future challenges and opportunities in various fields.
Additionally, the School of Science and Engineering operates as a college preparatory program, which ranks 23rd in the nation. This institution also focuses on a rapid-paced STEM education, making it an appealing option for students interested in science and technology. Both The School for the Talented and Gifted and the School of Science and Engineering share their location within the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, a hub for specialized high schools in the Dallas area.
Moreover, Hector J. Garcia Early College High School also made notable strides, ranking 12th in Texas amongst 2,040 schools. The presence of these distinguished schools among the top rankings showcases the strong educational foundation present in the DISD and emphasizes Texas’s significant role in shaping high-quality high school education nationwide.
Along with these institutions, other Dallas-area schools have also made appearances on the national stage. Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute was ranked 54th, while Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet followed closely at 84th. These rankings underline the overall quality and competitiveness of education in Texas, as the state continues to be well-represented among the top high schools in the United States.
The rankings released by U.S. News provide crucial insights for parents and students looking to understand the best educational environments available. Schools mentioned in these rankings are often characterized by rigorous academic programs and successful student outcomes, making them highly sought after by families throughout the Dallas area and beyond. As such, this recognition not only highlights individual school achievements but also signifies a broader commitment to excellence in education within the Texan educational framework.
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Additional Resources
- Laredo Morning Times
- Austin American-Statesman
- Dallas Observer
- Dallas News
- Houston Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Texas high school rankings
- Google Scholar: Texas high school education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas high schools
- Google News: Texas high school football
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
