Barry PhilipsTexas has some of the most diverse high school options in the United States. Students can choose from traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, college-preparatory academies, STEM-focused schools, performing arts schools, and specialized institutions.
For families searching for the top high schools in Texas, academic performance is only one factor to consider. Admission requirements, school location, curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, specialization, tuition, residency requirements, and application deadlines can all affect which school is suitable for a particular student.
In this guide, we highlight 25 notable high schools in Texas and explain their general admission requirements. The list includes schools from major cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Frisco, and other parts of the state.
It is important to remember that requirements can change from one academic year to another. Students and parents should always confirm the latest requirements with the school or school district before applying.
Top 25 High Schools in Texas
1. School for the Talented and Gifted – Dallas
The School for the Talented and Gifted, commonly called TAG, is a Dallas ISD magnet school designed for academically advanced students.
The school offers a rigorous curriculum and is particularly suitable for students who enjoy challenging academic work. Students can encounter advanced courses and opportunities designed to prepare them for competitive colleges and universities.
General requirements may include:
- Dallas ISD magnet application
- Strong academic record
- Required academic or assessment information
- Completion of the applicable magnet-school application
- Meeting the school’s eligibility requirements
Because TAG is a specialized school, admission can be considerably more competitive than enrollment in a regular neighborhood high school.
2. Liberal Arts and Science Academy – Austin
Liberal Arts and Science Academy, commonly known as LASA, is an Austin ISD high school combining rigorous science, mathematics, liberal arts, research, and college preparation.
The school is particularly attractive to students interested in STEM subjects while also wanting a strong humanities education.
General requirements may include:
- Austin ISD eligibility
- Completion of the appropriate application
- Academic information and school records
- Required application materials
- Meeting the school’s current admission criteria
LASA is an application-based school, so students should pay close attention to application deadlines.
3. Carnegie Vanguard High School – Houston
Carnegie Vanguard High School is a Houston ISD magnet school serving academically talented students.
The school emphasizes advanced academic preparation and offers students opportunities to take challenging courses.
Applicants generally need to complete the Houston ISD School Choice process and meet the school’s eligibility requirements.
General requirements may include:
- Houston ISD eligibility
- Gifted and Talented eligibility where required
- Required Magnet Matrix score
- Academic records
- School Choice application
- Meeting application deadlines
Students should prepare early because specialized magnet schools can receive more applications than available spaces.
4. DeBakey High School for Health Professions – Houston
DeBakey High School for Health Professions is one of Texas’s well-known specialized high schools for students interested in medicine and healthcare.
The school provides a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on science, mathematics, and health-related education.
General requirements may include:
- Appropriate grade-level eligibility
- Houston ISD School Choice application
- Required Magnet Matrix score
- Strong academic performance
- Standardized assessment information
- Submission of required school records
Students interested in becoming doctors, nurses, pharmacists, biomedical scientists, or other healthcare professionals may find the school’s specialization particularly relevant.
5. School of Science and Engineering – Dallas
The School of Science and Engineering is a Dallas ISD magnet school focused heavily on STEM and advanced academics.
Students interested in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and research can benefit from its specialized academic environment.
General requirements may include:
- Dallas ISD magnet application
- Academic records
- Required assessments
- Meeting the school’s eligibility criteria
- Successful completion of the admission process
The school is particularly suited to academically ambitious students who want a challenging STEM-oriented high school experience.
6. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School is a Dallas ISD school focused on academic excellence, leadership, college preparation, and STEM education.
The school provides a specialized educational environment for young women.
General requirements may include:
- Dallas ISD eligibility
- Magnet-school application
- Academic records
- Required assessments or selection criteria
- Completion of the application before the deadline
Students interested in leadership, science, mathematics, and college preparation may find the school particularly appealing.
7. Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet – Dallas
Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet is designed for students interested in law, government, public service, leadership, and related fields.
It is part of Dallas ISD’s specialized magnet-school system.
General requirements may include:
- Dallas ISD magnet application
- Academic records
- Required eligibility criteria
- Application submission
- Any required assessments
The school can be particularly relevant to students who are considering careers in law, politics, public administration, or government.
8. Eastwood Academy – Houston
Eastwood Academy is a Houston ISD college-preparatory magnet school offering academically challenging programs.
Students receive preparation for higher education while participating in a structured academic environment.
General requirements may include:
- Houston ISD School Choice application
- Academic records
- Required eligibility criteria
- Appropriate grade-level placement
- Completion of the application process
Students should review the school’s current admission requirements before applying.
9. Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts – Houston
Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, often known as HSPVA, is designed for students who want to combine traditional academics with intensive arts education.
Programs can include areas such as music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.
General requirements may include:
- School Choice application
- Academic eligibility
- Appropriate grade-level requirements
- Audition or portfolio requirements depending on the program
- Completion of application deadlines
Students should prepare specifically for the artistic discipline they intend to study.
10. Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science – Denton
The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science is a specialized residential academic program associated with the University of North Texas.
It is designed for academically advanced Texas students who want an intensive mathematics, science, and college-level learning experience.
General requirements may include:
- Texas residency eligibility
- Appropriate grade-level eligibility
- Strong academic performance
- Competitive application
- Required recommendations and supporting documents
- Completion of the admissions process
TAMS is considerably different from a conventional high school, so prospective students should carefully review its specific eligibility requirements.
11. Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin
The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders is an Austin ISD public school with a strong emphasis on STEM, leadership, college preparation, and community involvement.
Students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and leadership can consider the school as part of their high school options.
General requirements may include:
- Austin ISD application
- Grade-level eligibility
- Academic information
- Required supporting documents
- Selection through the school’s admissions process
Admission is not simply based on neighborhood attendance, making early preparation important.
12. Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts – Dallas
Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts is a Dallas ISD magnet school specializing in creative and performing arts.
Students can pursue academic education alongside intensive training in their chosen artistic discipline.
General requirements may include:
- Dallas ISD application
- Academic eligibility
- Appropriate grade-level requirements
- Audition or portfolio
- Program-specific assessment
Students should prepare a strong portfolio or audition material where required.
13. BASIS San Antonio – Shavano Campus
BASIS San Antonio is a public charter school known for its college-preparatory and academically demanding curriculum.
The school places considerable emphasis on mathematics, science, writing, and advanced academic preparation.
General requirements may include:
- Charter-school application
- Grade-level eligibility
- Enrollment documentation
- Completion of the school’s application process
- Lottery or available-seat procedures when applicable
Because charter schools may have limited capacity, applying during the designated enrollment period is important.
14. Westlake High School – Austin Area
Westlake High School is located in the Eanes Independent School District and offers a comprehensive academic program alongside advanced courses, athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities.
Unlike selective magnet schools, general admission is largely connected to district eligibility and residency.
General requirements may include:
- Eanes ISD enrollment eligibility
- Proof of residency where applicable
- Previous school records
- Immunization documentation
- Completion of district registration
Students should check whether they qualify for the school’s attendance boundary.
15. Highland Park High School – University Park
Highland Park High School serves students within Highland Park Independent School District.
The school offers a broad academic curriculum, advanced coursework, athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities.
General requirements may include:
- District enrollment eligibility
- Proof of residency
- Previous school records
- Required health documentation
- Completion of registration procedures
Students outside the district should investigate the district’s rules regarding transfers or other enrollment options.
16. Dulles High School – Sugar Land
Dulles High School is part of Fort Bend Independent School District and provides students with a comprehensive academic program.
The school offers advanced courses and extracurricular activities designed to support college and career preparation.
General requirements may include:
- Fort Bend ISD enrollment eligibility
- Proof of residence
- Academic records
- Immunization documentation
- Additional requirements for specialized programs
17. Clements High School – Sugar Land
Clements High School is another established Fort Bend ISD school offering a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Students can pursue traditional high school courses as well as advanced academic options.
General requirements may include:
- Fort Bend ISD eligibility
- Proof of residency
- Previous school records
- Required health documents
- Program-specific requirements where applicable
18. Seven Lakes High School – Katy
Seven Lakes High School is part of Katy Independent School District and offers college-preparatory courses, advanced academics, athletics, arts, and student organizations.
General admission is primarily based on district eligibility and attendance boundaries.
General requirements may include:
- Katy ISD enrollment eligibility
- Proof of residence
- Previous academic records
- Immunization documentation
- Additional requirements for specialized programs
19. Vandegrift High School – Leander
Vandegrift High School is located in Leander Independent School District and offers a comprehensive curriculum with academic, athletic, artistic, and extracurricular opportunities.
Students seeking specialized programs should check whether separate application requirements apply.
General requirements may include:
- Leander ISD enrollment eligibility
- Proof of residency
- Previous school records
- Required health documentation
- Program-specific application where applicable
20. Academy High School – Frisco
Academy High School in Frisco is designed around an academically focused learning environment and provides opportunities for students interested in advanced education and STEM-related subjects.
Admission requirements can vary according to the student’s grade level and the specific program.
General requirements may include:
- Frisco ISD eligibility where applicable
- Application or enrollment documentation
- Academic records
- Grade-level requirements
- Program-specific criteria
21. Uplift North Hills Preparatory – Irving
Uplift North Hills Preparatory is a public charter school serving students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The school provides a college-preparatory education and is an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional district schools.
General requirements may include:
- Charter-school application
- Appropriate grade-level eligibility
- Enrollment documentation
- Completion of the school’s application process
- Lottery procedures where applications exceed available spaces
22. Harmony School of Innovation – Houston
Harmony School of Innovation is part of the Harmony Public Schools network and emphasizes STEM, academic preparation, and college readiness.
As a public charter school, students generally apply through the school’s enrollment process.
General requirements may include:
- Charter-school application
- Grade-level eligibility
- Required enrollment documentation
- Available-seat requirements
- Lottery process where applicable
The school may be particularly attractive to students interested in technology, science, engineering, and mathematics.
23. Texas School for the Deaf – Austin
Texas School for the Deaf provides specialized educational services for eligible deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Its admission requirements therefore differ from those of conventional Texas public high schools.
General requirements may include:
- Eligibility for the school’s specialized services
- Educational records
- Relevant documentation
- Assessment where necessary
- Completion of the school’s enrollment process
Families should contact the school to understand the current eligibility requirements for their child.
24. Liberal Arts and Science Academy – Austin
For students seeking a highly academic environment in Austin, LASA is one of the state’s prominent specialized high schools.
Its curriculum combines advanced mathematics and science with liberal arts, writing, research, and other college-preparatory subjects.
General requirements may include:
- Austin ISD eligibility
- Application through the appropriate district system
- Academic information
- Required supporting materials
- Meeting the school’s application deadlines
Because admission is competitive, students should avoid waiting until the final days of the application period.
25. Lamar High School – Houston
Lamar High School in Houston is a comprehensive public high school offering academic courses, extracurricular activities, athletics, and college-preparatory opportunities.
Students generally enroll according to Houston ISD’s enrollment and attendance-zone rules.
General requirements may include:
- Houston ISD enrollment eligibility
- Proof of residency where required
- Previous school records
- Required health documentation
- Additional requirements for specialized programs
What Are the Requirements for High Schools in Texas?
The requirements for attending a Texas high school depend largely on the type of school.
Students attending a traditional public high school will generally need to meet the school’s age and grade-level requirements and provide enrollment documents such as proof of residency, previous school records, and immunization documentation.
Magnet and specialized high schools can be more competitive. They may require an application, academic records, entrance assessments, standardized test results, recommendations, auditions, portfolios, or other selection criteria.
Charter schools have their own enrollment procedures. When more eligible students apply than there are available places, a lottery may be used.
Private high schools have separate requirements and may charge tuition. Some also require entrance examinations, interviews, recommendations, essays, or religious affiliation.
With these differences in mind, here are 25 high schools in Texas that students and families may want to consider.
Common Documents Needed to Apply to a Texas High School
Although requirements differ among schools, families should prepare several documents before beginning the application process.
Proof of Residence
Traditional public schools may require proof that the student lives within the school’s attendance boundary or district.
Examples can include a lease agreement, mortgage statement, utility bill, or other accepted residency documentation.
Previous School Records
Students transferring from another school will generally need transcripts, report cards, or other academic records.
These records can be particularly important when applying to selective schools.
Immunization Records
Texas public-school enrollment generally requires students to satisfy applicable immunization requirements or qualify for an exemption.
Parents should make sure their child’s health records are up to date before enrollment.
Standardized Test Results
Some selective schools use standardized test results as part of their admissions process.
However, requirements vary. Students should not assume that every Texas magnet or specialized school requires an entrance examination.
Teacher Recommendations
Certain competitive schools may request recommendations from teachers or other school personnel.
If recommendations are required, students should ask teachers well before the application deadline.
Audition or Portfolio
Performing and visual arts schools can require auditions, portfolios, interviews, or other demonstrations of artistic ability.
Students should prepare these materials according to the specific discipline they are applying for.
Application Form
Selective magnet and charter schools usually require a separate application.
Students should provide accurate information and submit all supporting materials before the stated deadline.
Texas High School Graduation Requirements
Admission requirements should not be confused with graduation requirements.
Texas students generally work toward completing the state’s Foundation High School Program or another applicable graduation plan. The number of credits required can vary depending on the graduation pathway.
Students are also required to satisfy applicable state assessment requirements.
Typical high school coursework includes subjects such as:
- English language arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- Languages other than English
- Physical education
- Fine arts
- Electives
- Personal financial literacy and other required coursework
Students following specialized endorsements or graduation pathways may have additional requirements.
Parents and students should therefore speak with the school’s academic counselor early in high school to understand exactly which courses are required for graduation and college admission.
Comparison Table: Top High Schools in Texas
| High School | City | Type | Main Strength/Focus | General Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School for the Talented and Gifted | Dallas | Magnet | Advanced academics | Selective application |
| Liberal Arts and Science Academy | Austin | Specialized Public | STEM & liberal arts | Application-based |
| Carnegie Vanguard | Houston | Magnet | Gifted academics | Selective |
| DeBakey HSHP | Houston | Magnet | Health sciences | Selective |
| School of Science and Engineering | Dallas | Magnet | STEM | Selective |
| Irma Rangel Leadership School | Dallas | Magnet | STEM & leadership | Selective |
| Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet | Dallas | Magnet | Law & government | Application-based |
| Eastwood Academy | Houston | Magnet | College preparation | Selective |
| HSPVA | Houston | Magnet | Performing & visual arts | Audition/application |
| Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science | Denton | Specialized | Mathematics & science | Competitive |
| Ann Richards School | Austin | Specialized Public | STEM & leadership | Selective |
| Booker T. Washington HSPVA | Dallas | Magnet | Performing & visual arts | Audition/application |
| BASIS San Antonio | San Antonio | Charter | College preparation | Application/lottery |
| Westlake High School | Austin Area | Public | College preparation | District-based |
| Highland Park High School | University Park | Public | Academics | District-based |
| Dulles High School | Sugar Land | Public | Academics | District-based |
| Clements High School | Sugar Land | Public | Academics | District-based |
| Seven Lakes High School | Katy | Public | Academics | District-based |
| Vandegrift High School | Leander | Public | Academics | District-based |
| Academy High School | Frisco | Specialized | STEM/academics | Application-based |
| Uplift North Hills Preparatory | Irving | Charter | College preparation | Application/lottery |
| Harmony School of Innovation | Houston | Charter | STEM | Application/lottery |
| Texas School for the Deaf | Austin | Specialized | Deaf education | Eligibility-based |
| Lamar High School | Houston | Public | College preparation | District-based |
| Texas Academy programs | Various | Specialized | Advanced academics | Program-specific |
How to Choose a High School in Texas
Choosing a high school should involve more than looking at rankings or test scores.
First, consider the student’s academic interests. A student interested in medicine may prefer a health-science-focused school, while someone interested in engineering may want a STEM-oriented program.
Second, consider location and transportation. A school with excellent academic opportunities may not be practical if daily transportation is difficult.
Third, examine admission requirements. Some schools are open to students who live within their attendance zones, while others require competitive applications.
Fourth, consider extracurricular activities. Sports, debate, music, drama, student leadership, robotics, volunteering, and other activities can significantly influence a student’s high-school experience.
Finally, look at college and career preparation. Families should examine the school’s advanced courses, counseling services, career programs, dual-credit opportunities, and other pathways that align with the student’s future plans.
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Conclusion
Texas offers a wide range of high schools for students with different academic interests, career goals, talents, and educational needs. From specialized magnet schools such as Carnegie Vanguard and DeBakey to STEM-focused institutions, arts schools, charter schools, and traditional public high schools, families have many options to explore.
However, admission requirements can vary significantly. Some schools are primarily residency-based, while others require applications, assessments, auditions, portfolios, recommendations, or competitive selection.
If you are planning to apply, start by identifying schools that match your child’s interests and location. Then check the school’s current grade-level eligibility, application requirements, deadlines, residency rules, academic expectations, and available programs.
Starting the process early can make it much easier to gather documents, prepare for assessments or auditions, and submit a complete application on time.