Texas is home to some of the best public high schools in the United States, offering rigorous academics, specialized magnet programs, and outstanding college outcomes.
The list includes nationally ranked magnet and charter schools such as The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG), Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, each known for excellence in STEM, humanities, leadership, research, or career-focused education.
For students aiming to attend top-ranked Texas public high schools or strengthen their academic profiles, Aralia Education provides expert-led programs in research, writing, STEM, and college readiness.
The US News’ 2025-2026 Best U.S. High School Rankings
The annual U.S. News & World Report high school rankings 2025-2026 analyzed nearly 24,000 public high schools across the entire US and ranked approximately 18,000 schools based on a comprehensive methodology that assesses six key performance indicators.
- College Readiness (30%)
- State Assessment Proficiency (20%)
- State Assessment Performance (20%)
- Underserved Student Performance (10%)
- College Curriculum Breadth (10%)
- Graduation Rate (10%)
By examining these rankings, families can identify schools that offer rigorous academics, supportive communities, and pathways to college success, helping students make informed choices about their educational futures.
In this article, we’ll look into the 10 Best Public High Schools in Texas based on statewide rankings for the 2025–2026 academic year. Read on to discover what sets these schools apart.
Aralia Students Are 4x More Likely to Publish a Research Paper
1. The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG)
#9 National Rankings | #1 Texas
The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG), commonly known as TAG Magnet, is widely regarded as the most prestigious public high school in Texas. Located in Dallas, TAG consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the United States for academic excellence and college outcomes.
TAG offers an intensely rigorous curriculum designed for exceptionally motivated students:
- Advanced Humanities & STEM Curriculum: TAG is known for its interdisciplinary, college-level coursework that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and research across both humanities and STEM subjects.
- Research & Academic Competitions: Students regularly excel in national competitions, including debate, academic decathlon, science fairs, and mathematics contests, often earning top honors.
- Exceptional College Placement: A large percentage of students are admitted to elite universities, including Ivy League schools, top liberal arts colleges, and leading STEM institutions nationwide.
- Highly Selective & Supportive Community: With a small student body, TAG cultivates close relationships between students and faculty, creating a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
2. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School
#15 National Rankings | #2 Texas
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School is one of Texas’ most distinguished magnet public high schools. It consistently ranks among the very best in the nation. Located in Dallas, Rangel is the first all-girls public school in the state and is now known for its prestigious academic programs and leadership focus.
Irma Rangel prides itself on its strong academic performance, leadership-centered mission, and outstanding outcomes:
- Exceptional National & State Rankings: Ranked 15th in the country and 2nd in Texas among the best public high schools in the most recent national and statewide rankings.
- First All-Girls Public School in Texas: As part of the Dallas Independent School District and the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, Rangel offers gender-focused education, equipping young women with the skills and confidence to become future leaders.
- Academic Excellence & High Achievement: Students consistently perform well above state averages on standardized tests, demonstrate strong proficiency in math and reading, and have a high graduation rate.
- Leadership & Engaged Community: The school’s curriculum integrates leadership development through student government, community service clubs, debate, academic competitions, and STEM activities.
- College-Ready Culture: Rangel’s mission is to help young women succeed in college and beyond, supported by a full-time college advising program and a rigorous Pre-AP academic structure.
3. School Of Science And Engineering
#23 National Rankings | #3 Texas
The School of Science and Engineering (SEM) is a nationally recognized magnet college-preparatory high school located at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, known for its exceptional STEM-focused education and consistent academic excellence. SEM is recognized as one of the top public high schools in Texas and the United States.
The School of Science and Engineering is well-known for its strong emphasis on science and technology. It boasts the following distinctions:
- Rigorous STEM Curriculum: SEM offers a world-class program with an accelerated focus on mathematics, science, engineering, and technology, designed to prepare students for competitive STEM majors in college.
- Top Academic Rankings: Historically, SEM has been ranked among the nation’s top high schools and was ranked #13 nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2018, with prior rankings placing it among the best public high schools in Texas and the U.S.
- National Recognition: SEM is a three-time National Blue Ribbon School, an honor given to schools with outstanding academic performance, and one of only a few Texas high schools to achieve this distinction multiple times.
- Exceptional Academic Competitions: SEM excels in University Interscholastic League (UIL) and other academic contests. In 2025, the school won the UIL 4A Academic Sweepstakes Trophy, sweeping top honors across accounting, math, computer science, number sense, journalism, and science categories.
- Supportive Student Environment: With a small student body and personalized academic tracks, students receive tailored educational guidance that helps advanced learners reach their full potential and become globally competitive.
4. Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA)
#36 National Ranking | #4 Texas
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) is one of the most highly selective and prestigious public magnet high schools in Texas. Like many on this list, it consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the entire United States. Located in Austin, Texas, LASA is known for its interdisciplinary curriculum and high academic standing.
LASA develops students into socially responsible leaders, problem-solvers, and thinkers through an innovative curriculum that combines a rigorous liberal arts program with advanced science and research opportunities. It is especially known for the following:
- Top National & State Rankings: By educating the brightest minds, LASA consistently ranks among the best high schools nationwide — recently ranked #36 in the nation and #4 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report.
- Robust Academic Curriculum: LASA offers a comprehensive curriculum that nurtures the range of students’ artistic and intellectual talents—from fine arts and philosophy to robotics and stem cell research. Admission is competitive and based on multiple criteria, including test scores, academic history, essays, and recommendations.
- Outstanding Student Achievement: Students excel in state assessments, Advanced Placement exams, and in national merit recognitions, with dozens earning distinguished academic awards each year. Some national competitions students join are the Science Olympiad, Siemens-Westinghouse, and the Intel Science Fair.
- Broad Extracurricular Opportunities: With over 100 student-led clubs, award-winning fine arts programs, and competitive teams in academic and STEM competitions, LASA fosters a vibrant student community.
5. Carnegie Vanguard High School
#42 National Ranking | #5 Texas
Carnegie Vanguard High School is the only high school for academically Gifted and Talented (GT) in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), making it one of the most unique and celebrated public magnet high schools in Texas. All students at Carnegie are identified as GT, and the entire curriculum is tailored to their needs.
Carnegie Vanguard offers a distinctive curriculum and a supportive environment for high-achieving students. It provides the following features:
- Elite Academic Reputation: Consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Texas and top schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report and other national publications — with recent rankings placing Carnegie Vanderbilt near the top of state lists and in the top tier nationally.
- Gifted & Talented Focus: Carnegie Vanguard’s faculty is trained in gifted education and completes annual GT professional development to stay at the forefront of best practices in teaching this population. Its academic coursework consists exclusively of Pre-AP and AP courses in all core subjects.
- Advanced Curriculum & Research: Students complete at least 10 AP courses and engage in a year-long independent research project of their chosen field, developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world academic inquiry.
- Distinguished Recognition: Carnegie Vanguard has earned honors such as the National Blue Ribbon School designation and repeated exemplary status from the Texas Education Agency, demonstrating sustained excellence.
Improve Your Grades Within One Semester
6. Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute
#54 National Ranking | #6 Texas
Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute (GPCI) is a highly regarded public charter college-preparatory school in Grand Prairie, Texas, known for its college-going culture, which has consistently resulted in 100% college acceptance among its students. It serves 6th to 12th graders and stands out as one of the top schools in the state for the advanced coursework and college readiness environment it offers.
Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute blends challenging academics with real-world preparation. They embody the vision “We are what’s next” through the following attributes:
- Rigorous STEM & College Prep Curriculum: The school offers advanced academics, dual-credit courses, Career & Technical Education (CTE), and Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities designed to prepare students for competitive college programs and successful careers in engineering, computer science, and biomedical science.
- College-Going Culture: GPCI emphasizes college readiness, with students earning significant college credit before graduation and a 100% college acceptance rate among its scholars. It also participates in competitions such as I-invent with Lockheed Martin and the University Interscholastic League (UIL), giving students an edge as they progress to university.
- Small, Personalized Learning Environment: With a smaller student body and a low student-teacher ratio, the school creates individualized learning pathways and fosters strong partnerships among all stakeholders—students, parents, colleges, and industry leaders.
- Academic Performance: GPCI ranks in the top 10% of Texas schools on overall academic performance on state assessments, with notably high reading scores and strong math and science performance relative to the state average.
7. BASIS San Antonio- Shavano Campus
#58 National Rankings | #7 Texas
BASIS San Antonio-Shavano Campus is a tuition-free public charter high school in San Antonio, Texas, known for its accelerated curriculum, exceptional standardized test results, and enriching extracurriculars. It consistently ranks among the best high schools in Texas and the United States.
BASIS San Antonio-Shavano balances a rigorous curriculum with a vibrant student life that empowers students to be globally competitive in their chosen fields. It offers the following distinctions:
- Outstanding National & State Rankings: In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, BASIS San Antonio-Shavano Campus placed #58 nationally and #7 in Texas, making it one of the highest-ranked schools in the state.
- High Academic Performance: Students at BASIS San Antonio-Shavano achieve exceptionally high scores on SAT (average ~1379) and ACT (average ~30.9), far above Texas state averages, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond.
- Rigorous Coursework & College Readiness: Students take several Advanced Placement (AP) courses each year, with 95% earning passing scores in AP exams. College readiness rates in reading and math are well above statewide figures.
- Supportive Learning Environment: BASIS San Antonio-Shavano earned an A accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency, boasts a 100% on-time graduation rate, and acceptance to a 4-year university. It supports students further by providing personalized college guidance and counseling for seniors.
- Capstone Courses: Its post-AP capstone courses set BASIS San Antonio-Shavano apart, as it is one of the few schools in Texas that enrolls students in advanced seminars to better prepare them for university rigor.
- Top-Tier Public Charter: As part of the BASIS Texas charter network, the Shavano Campus stands out for its demanding curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking across STEM and the humanities.
8. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
#75 National Rankings | #8 Texas
Located in the heart of Houston’s Texas Medical Center, DeBakey is a top-ranked public magnet school with its unique focus on medicine, health sciences, and STEM. Students benefit from an intensive academic program paired with hands-on experiences in hospitals, research labs, and clinical settings, giving them a head start in real-world medical and scientific fields.
DeBakey sets itself apart with the following merits:
- Legacy of Excellence & Specialized Focus: Founded in 1972 as the first U.S. high school dedicated to health professions, DeBakey was created through a partnership between the Houston Independent School District and Baylor College of Medicine to give high school students early exposure to various medical careers.
- Top Academic Rankings: Since its inception, DeBakey has consistently ranked among the best public high schools nationally and in Texas, according to S. News & World Report and other school rankings — recently earning a spot in the top 100 nationally and top 10 in Texas.
- Rigorous Health-Centered Curriculum: The school offers an alternative to the traditional high school experience. Its coursework includes Advanced Placement classes, dual-credit options, and specialized health science courses such as anatomy, medical microbiology, and clinical rotations. Students also engage in hands-on experience at the Texas Medical Center with opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals and participate in real clinical environments.
- High Achievement & College Readiness: DeBakey HSHP students perform above district and statewide averages on the SAT, ACT, and other state-mandated examinations. AP exam passing rates also exceed the national average. More than 98% of DeBakey graduates pursue postsecondary education, and graduating classes typically earn $10+ million in scholarship offers, reflecting the school’s strong academic culture and college-prep focus.
- Supportive, Specialized Community: With a relatively small, diverse student body and extremely focused mission, DeBakey fosters an atmosphere where learners work closely with faculty and medical partners to pursue advanced studies and leadership in health and science fields.
9. Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet
#84 National Rankings | #9 Texas
Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet is a renowned public magnet high school in Dallas, Texas, known for its focus on law, government, and public service. Situated within the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, it offers students unique preparation for legal and civic careers alongside rigorous college-prep academics.
Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet offers the perfect balance between academic rigor and civic engagement:
- Prestigious Academic Reputation: The school is regularly ranked among the top public high schools in Texas and the United States, with U.S. News & World Report placing it #6 in Texas and in the top 50 nationally. Additionally, it appears prominently on challenge-based rankings such as The Washington Post’s Challenge Index.
- Specialized Law & Public Service Curriculum: Students choose from pathways in Criminal Justice, Government, or Pre-Law, engaging in project-based learning, internships, courtroom observations, and collaborative work that bring real-world law and policy experience into the classroom.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: Through partnerships, debate and mock trial teams, internships, and community programs, students gain hands-on exposure to the legal field and public service. The school’s mock trial teams, for example, have competed at state and national levels.
- Strong Academic Outcomes: Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet maintains an A accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency and boasts a 100% on-time graduation rate, with students performing strongly on college-readiness metrics such as SAT and ACT.
- Supportive and Diverse Community: With a student body of around 480 and a mission centered on developing critical thinkers and community leaders, the school fosters personalized career guidance that prepares graduates for success in their legal careers.
10. Talkington School for Young Women Leaders
#95 National Rankings | #10 Texas
Talkington School for Young Women Leaders is a standout public magnet school in Lubbock, Texas, uniquely dedicated to empowering young women through academic growth, leadership development, and holistic preparation for university. Offering admissions from 6th to 12th graders, it merges coursework with civic engagement to shape students as future advocates in their communities.
As an institution with a mission to build confident, future leaders, Talkington prides itself on the following strengths:
- College-Prep Focus & Leadership Mission: Talkington’s core mission is to empower young women leaders through a well-rounded college-preparatory curriculum. Aside from academics, it also aims to develop critical thinking, health and wellness, leadership, service, and personal accountability among students.
- National Blue Ribbon Recognition: The school has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, reflecting sustained academic excellence and outstanding outcomes.
- Exceptional Academic Performance: Talkington ranks in the top 5% of Texas schools for overall test performance, with high proficiency in reading, math, and science well above state averages.
- Strong Graduation & College Outcomes: The school boasts a 100% four-year graduation rate and full acceptance of graduates to four-year universities, supported by a dedicated full-time college advising program.
- Supportive All-Girls Environment: As an all-girls magnet school, Talkington cultivates womanhood where young women are encouraged to take leadership roles, pursue community service, and engage in meaningful mentorship with female role models.
Prepare for Success with Aralia’s Academic Programs
For students aspiring to attend top-ranked public high schools in Texas or nationwide, Aralia Education offers a suite of tailored programs designed to build academic excellence, critical thinking, and enhance college readiness. Aralia’s courses are specifically crafted to help students stand out in competitive admissions while developing skills that are beneficial in high school and beyond.
Explore Aralia Education’s programs today and take the next step toward a successful future.
