American high schools unite grades 9-12. Americans typically complete high school at the age of 18 and enter college or university. A selection of Houston’s best high schools is presented on houston1.one.
Carnegie Vanguard High School
This school is located in the 4th Ward, near the city center. It is named after Andrew Carnegie, an American industrialist and philanthropist. Carnegie led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century and became one of the richest Americans in history.
The school offers Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English, math, science and social studies, as well as elective courses. Advanced Placement is a program that provides high school students with college-level curriculum and exams. The program prepares them for admission to universities. AP credits are awarded by various universities, allowing for early graduation. In addition, after AP, there is an opportunity to immediately enter the 2nd year of higher education. As for the Pre-Advanced Placement program, it provides an opportunity to develop skills for further success during Advanced Placement.
Vanguard students consistently exceed state and national averages on the SAT and ACT. The institution also pays considerable attention to the involvement of its students in public works for the benefit of the community.
Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Houston’s only high school for medical professions is located west of the Texas Medical Center. It was named after Michael E. DeBakey, whose innovative operations on the heart and blood vessels made him one of the most influential cardiac surgeons of the 20th century.
The school offers a challenging, well-balanced college-preparatory program that focuses on educational experiences in science and the health professions. It fosters an understanding and appreciation of America’s diverse community.
The school is recognized as one of the best in Texas for university or college preparation. Studies focus on health and natural sciences, providing direct access to a career in medicine. Student selection is based on personal interest in the health sciences, prior academic performance, standardized test scores, behavior and attendance.
Eastwood Academy
Eastwood is home to the award-winning Eastwood Academy. All students at Eastwood Academy complete a rigorous preparatory program and complete 80 hours of community volunteer work before graduating. Dual credit courses and an Advanced Placement curriculum are provided.
The school has a football team that competes in the local division. In addition, Eastwood Academy offers students several clubs, including the Gay-Straight Alliance, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and others.
Challenge Early College High School
‘A School of Opportunity’ is the motto of Challenge Early College, located on the West Loop campus of Houston Community College. Unlike other high schools in Houston, Challenge Early College offers not only a high school diploma but also an associate degree.
Associate programs are academic programs with a 2-year duration of study. Their main purpose is to provide real professional knowledge and understanding of the chosen specialization. Associate degree programs can prepare students for careers in typical vocational and technical fields. Earned credits can usually be counted toward a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
Challenge Early College High School combines a high school curriculum with college courses, allowing for dual credit. Freshmen are not eligible to take summer college classes, while sophomores who have a 3.0 GPA and complete all core classes may take summer college classes.
Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy
This all-girls high school is located in the 3rd Ward. It offers students a rigorous academic program that focuses on courses at the Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement levels. The institution uses cross-curricular learning strategies to help its students develop critical thinking skills that will enable them to understand complex content and navigate the real world outside of school.
In addition to the standard academic program, the school offers students STEM-oriented training (the acquisition of theoretical scientific knowledge during practical activities) in the fields of engineering design, biological sciences, computer science and IT. The campus partners with local companies to provide students with cutting-edge STEM learning experiences and the latest technological concepts.
Its students also actively participate in a college preparation program designed to create a smooth transition from high school to college. The school guarantees admission to higher education for every student.
Alief Kerr High School
Alief Kerr School, located in the Alief district, is a multiple winner of the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence, the highest award that an American school can receive.
Alief Kerr is based on independent learning. Under the guidance of the teacher, the student independently completes the course, completes tasks, projects and takes tests. At the same time, students can always ask for help from teachers on weekdays. In many classes, teachers teach the material in an in-person seminar once a week.
Instead of small traditional classrooms, Alief Kerr boasts large centers for each major subject. One teacher teaches several subjects at the same time. Alief Kerr has art, business, English, foreign language, math, science and social science centers. Computer science, journalism and broadcasting are taught in classrooms of a traditional type, which are slightly smaller than the main centers.
Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Located in downtown Houston, this institution is divided into 6 departments: instrumental music, vocal music, dance, theater, visual arts and creative writing. It is one of the best performing arts schools in the country, with a mission to provide a balanced program of challenging academic knowledge and preparation for creative careers.
The school building contains a theater with 800 seats, another theater room with 300 seats, a mini theater with 200 seats, a concert hall with 220 seats, several rehearsal rooms, a cafeteria and two floors of underground parking with 204 spaces.
Victory Early College High School
Victory Early College offers students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and associate of arts degree or 2 years of study toward a bachelor’s degree.
The school is a partnership between the Aldine Independent School District and Lone Star College System. This kind of collaboration creates an atmosphere that combines high school and college. Victory Early College offers limited seating, small class sizes and a supportive, personalized learning environment.