When looking for good schools in Houston, you are definitely not spoiled for choice. However, good ones do exist and we have been struck by their welcoming and friendly atmospheres. Additionally, there are now several schools which, while not strictly international schools, offer the IB programmes.
- Education in Houston
- Choosing a school in Houston
- Special education needs in Houston
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Houston
- Best schools in Houston
Education in Houston
The first thing to remember is that the UK and the US systems are slightly out of sync. So while compulsory schooling in the UK starts at reception (age 4), children in Texas usually start school the following year in kindergarten (but are not required by law to start until they are 6 – 1st grade).
In the younger years, American schools emphasise play and social development and are not nearly as academic as British schools. This can come as a jolt to parents but rest assured, in good schools (state or private), students do catch up with each other fairly quickly (certainly by age 8).
Public (state) schools are made up of elementary school (up to grade 4 or 5), intermediate school (grade 5 and 6), middle school or junior high school (either grade 6 or 7 and grade 8) and high school (grade 9 to 12). Many public schools also run an advanced learning programme called a Magnet Program. Places are limited so entry exams, references and interviews are conducted to determine entry. A full list of public schools can be found at www.txschools.gov/schools.
Private schools usually don’t have a waiting list so once you have made your decision, the only thing stopping you will be the entry requirements.
The US Department of Education requires both public and private schools to submit National Assessment of Education Progress testing every four years. Schooling culminates in the High School Diploma, which is awarded at the end of four years of high school if the student has a passing grade point average. The exception are IB schools, where they aim for the IB Diploma.
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests are taken at every grade in all public and charter schools (but not necessarily in private schools). As soon as the student passes a test, that mark will contribute towards their High School Diploma. On completion of 12th grade, most students in state schools will graduate with a High School Diploma.
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is designed to give students a head start on their college level work. Through AP courses, high school students can explore a full range of college level subjects. Many high schools will have an AP teacher or coordinator who will guide students on which AP courses can best suit their abilities and current workload. If the student is home-schooled or attends a school that doesn’t offer AP, courses can still be studied through independent online study.
Not to be confused with the Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) of the British Curriculum, the SAT is an essential part of College entry in the US. The three-hour exam (made up of writing, critical reading and maths) is widely considered a measure of a high school student’s chance of academic success in the first year of college, making that all-important SAT score of critical importance in the application process. The American College Testing (ACT) assessment is an alternative to the SAT, and both are accepted by virtually all colleges and universities. To find out more, go to www.collegeboard.com.
Choosing a school in Houston
If you’re going for the public school option, it matters where you live. This is because all public schools are organised into Independent School Districts (ISDs) and you are allocated a school within your zone of ISD. You can transfer to another school within your ISD but both the sending and receiving schools have to agree.
Private schools, on the other hand, will take students from any school district as long as they meet the entrance requirements. Rating and ranking the private schools is a more difficult task as they are not required to be included in the STAAR testing system (upon which the Accountability Rating is determined). But most private schools participate in some form of standardised testing of their students and results of those can be discussed directly with each school.
International schools (including overseas British Schools) tend to offer the IB curriculum to students completing their final two years of high school, culminating in the IB Diploma. IGCSEs are only available at The British School. This is something to consider if you think you might be moving back to the UK at any time during your child’s secondary school years. By the same token, students applying to British universities from good US high schools will find that UK universities are very up to speed on US curricula and exams.
Special education needs in Houston
Gateway Academy is a very small special needs school serving 6th to 12th graders with learning and social difficulties.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Houston
Children who attend some form of childcare before they reach school age (must be 6 on September 1st to start 1st grade) will either attend a preschool or a day care centre. The age of acceptance varies but some take children as young as 9 months for their part-time Mother’s Day Out programs (MDO). Usually following the school calendar (some are closed during school holidays), most are four to five hours a day and two or three days a week.
Preschools will often only take children up to pre-K or kindergarten, but some are part of a school making the transition to elementary school and beyond that much easier. Most schools, and some preschools, also provide before and after (school) care which effectively makes them a day care option for parents who work full-time outside the home. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services provide their inspection findings online, where you can look up a childcare facility and read their inspection report, warts and all.
Best schools in Houston
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Awty International School
American curriculum/ IB Diploma/ French curriculum/ French Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,550 students
Bilingual classes English/French or English/Spanish in pre-school and kindergarten. Emphasis on languages throughout, with the option of the American High School Diploma, IB Diploma or French Baccalaureate. Located in western Houston. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Barbara Bush Elementary School
American curriculum; ages 3-11; co-ed; day; state; 900 students
Part of Houston ISD, opened in 1992. Very highly rated elementary school, scoring impressively in all academic tests. Wide range of student nationalities and Bush offers an English Language Learning (ELL) teacher at each grade level.
Bellaire High School
American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 3,500 students
Unusual in offering AP courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, often in a combined format. Graduates are regularly awarded college scholarships and attend a very wide range of universities.
Branch School (The)
American curriculum; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 130 students
Established in 1977, originally for children who attended Christian Science Sunday Schools but since 1993 has accepted pupils from all religious backgrounds. Has an award winning outdoor classroom and recently (2018) acquired additional land for expansion.
British International School of Houston (formerly The British School of Houston)
IPC/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,120 students
Opened in 2000 by the British Schools of America for the children of British oil executives but, subsequently, bought by the global Nord Anglia Education group. Moved to a much larger campus in Greater Katy, northwest Houston in 2016. Also offering a Dutch curriculum for temporary residents from the Netherlands.
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 700 students
Part of the 150 strong global Network of Sacred Heart Schools. An all-through girls’ school, founded in 1960 and located on a campus in the Memorial area of eastern Houston. Graduates achieve places at universities across the US, although the majority stay in the south or head west.
Gateway Academy
A very small Special Needs School serving 6th to 12th graders with learning and social difficulties.
Grace School
American curriculum; ages under 2-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 500 students
A Presbyterian school, founded in 1975 and grown from 15 students to its present size. Emphasis on STEM (first certified lower school programme in Texas). Graduates tend to achieve places at Houston’s leading high schools.
Heights High School
MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 2,350 students
Houston’s Magnet School of Computer Technology and also running Health & Science, Business, Engineering & Design and Transportation Academies.
John Paul II Catholic School
American curriculum; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 675 students
Catholic school, established in 1988 in western Houston. Ten years ago, they were one of only fifty private schools to be named a National Blue Ribbon Exemplary School by the US Department of Education. Graduates regularly win scholarships to leading local high schools.
Kinkaid School (The)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 4-18; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 1,450 students
Founded in 1906, the oldest independent co-educational school in Houston. The Upper School features an ‘Interim Term’ with teacher-designed and student-selected curricula. Graduates move on to top universities nation-wide, including Ivies.
Klein Oak High School
American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 4,000 students
Huge public school with a well-regarded special education division. Established in 1982 as the third high school in the Klein Oak district. Offering Dual Credit as well as AP programmes.
Lamar High School
American High School Diploma/ AP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 3,400 students
A state of the art, brand new campus, specifically designed for the size of the student body, is now underway. An International Baccalaureate World School, offering the IB Diploma since 1982 and now joined by the Middle Years and Careers Related Programmes. Consistently graduates the largest number of IB Diploma students in Texas.
Rainard School - For Gifted Students
Individual curricula/ Advanced High School Program; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 70 students
Specialist school for academically gifted children located in Spring Branch, western Houston offering an Advanced High School Program for Distinguished Achievement. Accredited Cognia (previously, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SASC).
School of the Woods
Montessori; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 360 students
Full member of the American Montessori Society and accredited by Cognia (previously,AdvancED). Opened in 1962 with a pre-school class and now an all-through school on the original location in the Spring Branch neighbourhood of Houston.
Second Baptist School
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,120 students
Strongly Christian school, located on a campus in the Memorial area of Houston with access to 56 acres of the Second Baptist Church of Houston’s educational and recreational facilities. Opened as an elementary school in 1947 and grown by 1982 into offering an all-through education. Accredited by Cognia (previously the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SACS).
Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy, Dairy Ashford
Montessori; ages 18 months-12; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit;
An elementary school following the Montessori programme. There is also a toddlers and primary school called ‘Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy, Grisby’. Enthusiastic parental comments.
St. Agnes Academy
American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 14-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 930 students
Dominican girls’ high school in the Sharpstown area of Houston and adjacent to the Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School. The schools hold some joint classes, including choir and band. Founded by a Dominican Sister in 1905 and still a strongly religious school. Accredited by Cognia (previously, AdvancED).
St. Francis Episcopal Day School
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 850 students
Founded in 1952, as a mission, by St Francis Episcopal Church and now on two sites in the Piney Point Village and Memorial areas. A new high school department opened in 2018, with an inaugural freshman class on the developing south campus.
St. John's School Houston
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,420 students
Possibly, the most prestigious private school in Houston. Founded in 1946, academically rigorous and notoriously selective. Located on a 40 acre campus in the heart of the River Oaks neighbourhood. Almost all the leading American universities on their matriculation list for the last four years. Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS).
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School
American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 14-18; boys; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 students
Largest Catholic high school in Houston founded in 1960 and located in the Chinatown area and in the Greater Sharpstown district. Founded by the Jesuit, Father Michael Kenelley S.J. in 1960 and officially designated a museum of art due to the quality of its interiors and contents. Accredited by Cognia (previously, AdvancED).
Trafton Academy
American curriculum; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 315 students
Founded in 1973, adding a lower school (pre-K to grade 3) in 2014. On two campuses and known by its students as the ‘Home of the Tigers’. Located in Willow Meadows in the south-western part of Houston.
Village School (The)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 1,750 students
Founded in 1966 as a private pre-school and bought by the Meritas group in 2006 and then by the global Nord Anglia Education group in 2015. Offering boarding from grade 7, a rare option in Houston and now one of two large schools in the city run by the international group, Nord Anglia Education. Located in West Houston.
Westchester Academy for International Studies
MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers/ AP; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,020 students
Resurrected from the original Westchester High School by the Spring Branch ISD in 2001. One of the few schools in Houston to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma and also recently licensed to teach the IB Careers Related Programme.
Yorkshire Academy
Adapted curriculum; ages 18 months-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 270 students
The curriculum covers the goals of British Key Stages 1 and 2 and the school specialises in transitioning pupils back into the educational systems of their home countries. High proportion of international students from over 40 countries. Founded in 1984 and located in West Houston.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international search.