There is no shortage of options for education and schools in Houston, given the city’s large size. There are more than 60 school districts in the greater Houston area, and they include numerous public and private schools.
With so many choices, parents will need to carefully evaluate their priorities before choosing a school. These include their budget, the proximity of the school to home and the workplace, the curriculum they would like their child to learn, and the kind of teaching environment that’s best for their child.
Public schools in Houston
The greatest perk of public schools in Houston is that the Texas education system doesn’t charge tuition, and expats and locals alike can take advantage of it. That said, this doesn’t mean parents shouldn’t do their research. Even though all public schools teach a state-mandated curriculum, the standard of each institution can vary immensely.
Some districts are consistently associated with high standards, while others aren’t. Since students attend schools based on attendance zones, parents should consider the quality of schools in an area when looking for accommodation.
After years of academic underperformance, the Texas Education Agency took over management of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest school district in Texas. The transition to new management is ongoing and estimated to continue into 2027. Parents considering HISD schools should carefully research current developments.
To determine the standard of educational facilities in a district, parents can consult the Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR), which evaluate school districts and individual schools. After selecting a few schools that seem to fit the bill, it’s always a good idea to visit them in person, preferably during school hours, and meet with an administrator to learn a little more about them.
Charter schools and magnet schools
The public education and school system in Houston also includes charter schools and magnet schools. Charter schools receive state funding and uphold the state curriculum but tend to be more innovative and flexible than traditional public schools. Magnet schools also use state funding but teach specialised curricula. They’re associated with high achievement and cultural diversity.
Both are suitable options for parents who want an affordable but high standard of education for their children. That said, admission can be competitive, and waiting lists can be long; lottery systems are often used to confirm enrolment.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is not exclusive to private schools. Houston ISD (HISD) offers all four IB programmes across a number of public campuses: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). Admission to IB-focused public schools, including magnet and charter campuses, is typically tuition-free but is fiercely competitive. When applications exceed available seats, schools use a randomised lottery system.
Best Neighbourhoods in Houston
Education and Schools in the USA
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Private and international schools in Houston
As in most destinations, private schools in Houston generally provide a wider array of extracurricular activities, better facilities, smaller student-to-teacher ratios, and a higher quality of education. Parents should also apply as early as possible, since the best schools usually have long waiting lists. Some of these schools also have extensive admissions processes that may involve interviews and proficiency tests.
Private education is a broad category that includes international schools, religious schools, and alternative education like Montessori. Some private schools uphold the state curriculum, and others follow foreign curricula or offer the International Baccalaureate.
The Awty International School and the Lycée International de Houston (LIH) both offer French Ministry of Education-accredited programmes. LIH is also part of the global AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) network and delivers instruction in French, English, and Spanish. Both schools also offer the IB alongside the French Baccalaureate.
The British International School of Houston (BIS Houston), part of the Nord Anglia Education group, follows the British curriculum from Early Years through to the IB Diploma.
The German International School of Houston (GISH) is a bilingual German-English school serving preschool through 4th grade.
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Special educational needs in Houston
Parents of children with special educational needs in Houston can choose between public schools, private schools and homeschooling. It’s up to the parents to decide which type of education best suits their child’s needs. They should connect with local friends, fellow parents and neighbours to learn about experiences they may have had at different schools. Once parents have identified a number of possible schools, they should research each school online by checking the school’s state accountability rating on the Texas Education Agency’s website.
Public schools in Houston must give a child a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This means the school must assist parents to determine if their child has a disability and then develop an Individualised Education Programme (IEP). Public schools aren’t allowed to discriminate against children with special needs.
Many parents prefer to send their children to a private school. These schools still allow inclusive education but with the added benefit of smaller classes, which means more individual attention.
There are also several specialised schools in Houston. These schools are aimed at children who need to learn in specialised environments. Schools like the Arbor School and Briarwood provide learning environments that encourage the total development of each student.
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Tutors in Houston
Tutors in Houston are widely available. There is a range of options available. Parents will find that many older students are willing to tutor. Tutoring companies also offer options such as private in-home one-on-one sessions, small-group sessions, and online tutoring.
Parents may find it useful to enquire at their child’s school or from other parents to find out which tutors are dependable. Tutors are generally fantastic for assisting students with problem subjects such as mathematics, science and languages. Expat children learning a new curriculum may benefit from assistance acclimating to new subjects and teaching styles.