U.S. News & World Report has been the gold standard for educational rankings for more than three decades, and in its 2016 “Best High Schools” list, Houston’s Carnegie Vanguard High School broke the national top 10.
Leveraging data compiled by social science research firm RTI International, the media company compared thousands of public schools, evaluating graduation rates, diversity and college readiness (among other factors) to determine the country’s “top performers.”
Texas high schools had a strong showing in this year’s top 10, with three state schools making the cut (two in Dallas and one in Houston).
| National Rank | School | City | Student-Teacher Ratio | College Readiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | School for the Talented and Gifted | Dallas | 15:1 | 100 |
| 2 | BASIS Scottsdale | Scottsdale, Ari. | N/A | 100 |
| 3 | BASIS Tucson North | Tucson, Ari. | N/A | 100 |
| 4 | School of Science and Engineering | Dallas | 16:1 | 100 |
| 5 | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology | Alexandria, Va. | 17:1 | 100 |
| 6 | BASIS Oro Valley | Oro Valley, Ari. | N/A | 100 |
| 7 | Pine View School | Osprey, Fla. | 17:1 | 100 |
| 8 | Academic Magnet High School | North Charleston, S.C. | 14:1 | 100 |
| 9 | International Academy | Bloomfield Hills, Mich. | N/A | 100 |
| 10 | Carnegie Vanguard High School | Houston | 17:1 | 100 |
According to the report, Carnegie Vanguard’s ranking comes as a reflection of its college readiness score and its strong student-teacher ratio, as well as a litany of other stats, such as its high minority enrollment rate (59 percent) and perfect graduation rate (100 percent).
Statewide, Carnegie Vanguard was slotted in the No. 3 spot, alongside three other Houston high schools.
| State Rank | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | School for the Talented and Gifted | Dallas |
| 2 | School of Science and Engineering | Dallas |
| 3 | Carnegie Vanguard High School | Houston |
| 4 | Summit International Preparatory | Arlington |
| 5 | DeBakey High School for Health Professions | Houston |
| 6 | YES Prep – Southwest | Houston |
| 7 | Liberal Arts and Science Academy | Austin |
| 8 | Eastwood Academy | Houston |
| 9 | Westlake Academy | Westlake |
| 10 | KIPP Austin Collegiate | Austin |