Children at Risk publishes free annual rankings of every public school in Texas, including all Houston-area campuses. These rankings use data on student test scores, how well schools serve low-income students, and college readiness rates. For Houston families, this means having clear information to compare schools across our city's 300+ campuses in Houston ISD, plus schools in Aldine, Spring Branch, Cy-Fair, Katy, and other local districts. The rankings matter because Houston has some of Texas's highest-performing schools alongside struggling campuses. This tool helps families understand which schools are truly helping students succeed, not just those in wealthy neighborhoods. Parents can search by zip code to find top schools near their home or workplace. The data also shows which schools are beating expectations despite serving many low-income students. Community leaders use these rankings to advocate for better funding and support for underperforming schools. Teachers and principals use the data to learn from successful campuses. To access the rankings, visit childrenatrisk.org and search by school name, district, or location. The rankings are updated each fall when new state test scores are released. This free resource gives Houston families the power to make informed school choices for their children.
Children at Risk releases annual school rankings to help parents and community members understand how schools are performing. The organization has been ranking Texas public schools for over 20 years to spark conversations about education quality.
The rankings measure four main areas. First, they look at student achievement through state standardized test scores called STAAR. Second, they compare a school's performance to similar schools with comparable poverty levels. Third, they track how much students improve on tests from year to year. High schools also measure college readiness by looking at graduation rates and participation in college-prep activities.
Schools receive grades based on how they perform in these areas. Gold Ribbon Schools are special schools that perform exceptionally well while serving mostly low-income students. These rankings help families understand which neighborhood schools are doing well and which ones might need more support. Parents can access detailed ranking reports for their region to research schools in their area and make informed decisions about their children's education.
