Houston Schools

As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston needs plenty of educational options for its students. As a result, the city has 17 school districts serving students throughout the Houston area. There are also more than 300 private schools in the metro vicinity. Houston has four public universities and several private colleges for those who have earned their high school diplomas.

Public Houston Schools

The Houston Independent School District is the largest public school district in Houston. It is also the 7^th largest in the United States. The Houston schools in this district serve most of the students in the metropolitan area. There are currently more than 200,000 students enrolled in schools operated by the HISD, but numbers have fallen slightly over the past decade.

HISD has a magnet school program that gives exceptionally talented students the opportunity to excel in subjects such as science, health, and the performing arts. The school system also has several opportunities for Spanish-speaking students to obtain a well rounded education. Over 60 percent of the schools’ population is Hispanic-American, so administrators focus on providing educational opportunities for students who speak English as a second language.

Houston’s State-Operated Charter Schools

Houston has been a leader in using state-sponsored charter schools to fulfill the needs of its students. In recent years it has been estimated that about 15 percent of the students in Houston attend state-sponsored charter schools.

Private Houston Schools

Texas allows private schools to operate independently of the public school systems. The state gives private Houston schools significant freedom to pursue their educational goals without interference. In fact, some of the private schools in Houston are not accredited, although most private Houston schools seek accreditation to prove that they are serious about educational excellence.

The large number of private schools in Houston gives students and parents the opportunity to choose curricula that fit their interests and worldviews. Many of the private schools are affiliated with Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and other religious groups. The Catholic schools located in Houston are overseen by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Public Universities in Houston

Houston is home to four public university systems. The largest is the University of Houston, which has approximately 37,000 students. The University of Houston attracts many students throughout Texas and other states, particularly to its well regarded optometry and pharmacy programs. Houston is also home to Texas Southern University, which has a long history as a predominantly African-American college.

Private Colleges and Universities in Houston

Students have access to several private colleges and universities in Houston. One of the best known is Rice University, which has been ranked as the 17^th best university in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.

Houston is also the home of Houston Baptist University and the University of St. Thomas, both of which focus on a liberal arts education. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in law may consider enrollment at the South Texas College of Law, which is noted as the oldest law school located in downtown Houston.