Top Rated 15 Schools in Houston, TX - A Guide for Parents and Students

Christine Ruscito Goddard has been our home away from home since my kids were infants. I have nothing but amazing things to say about all the teachers and staff there. They became our family and truly loved my children. We have recently moved out to the suburbs and the hardest thing to transition from has been this school. I so wish we could have taken them all with us!

katie wilson Goddard (Greater Heights) is such an amazing school!! Our daughter started with them a few months ago and I have nothing but positive things to say about the school and more specifically, her teachers. They made the transition to daycare so smooth and I would highly recommend them to anyone who is seeking care for their child.

julie mules As a former education director at Goddard Greater Houston Heights, I can say with all certainty that this program is exceptional! Aside from the warm, family atmosphere, the teacher training program surpasses anything I have witnessed in almost thirty years of early childhood education. Students are heard, respected, and allowed to learn through play and at a pace that meets them where they are. Far more than a daycare, Goddard Greater Heights is an extended family for all who enter the doors! I will forever cherish my time there, and am delighted to maintain deep friendships with both staff and families that I had the privilege to work with for so many years! If you are looking for a stellar learning environment for your child, coupled with a tremendous sense of community….Look no more!

Gabriela Janes I have nothing but great things to say about Greater Heights. Our little one started at 18 months with Ms. Verenice and Ms. Erika. Both were so sweet and accommodating to our son, who was adjusting to starting daycare for the first time. By the end of his first month he was excited to go to school and even wanted to stay longer when I would go and pick him up. Hes now in Ms. Martha and Ms. Lolas class and comes home every day talking about what he learned at school. We will be moving this summer and are devastated to be leaving such a wonderful school. Hes truly had the best teachers and admin team. I cant recommend Greater Heights more!

Nava Mel Greater Heights School has been absolutely amazing for our family. I’ve seen my son flourish emotionally, socially, and academically under their thoughtful care and nurturing environment. The teachers and staff go above and beyond to create a space where children feel safe, challenged, and supported. We are genuinely impressed by the school’s commitment to creating a safe and fun environment for the kids! They took the time to teach him how to potty train and also provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks which is helpful for busy parents! They also take the kids outdoors twice a day which our son loves. Parking is never an issue and the staff is always friendly and patient!

Paige Abergel Our family has had the most wonderful experience at Greater Heights School. My son started in April 2023, just 15 months old at the time, and he has absolutely thrived here. From the very beginning, he was welcomed into a warm, loving environment that made drop-offs easy and pick-ups joyful. He has been so happy at Greater Heights—he loves going to school, talks about his teachers and friends with so much excitement, and brings home the sweetest art projects every week. He’s learned so much during his time there, and I’ve seen firsthand how supported and engaged he feels every single day. We’ve been lucky to have had such caring, thoughtful teachers along the way—Ms. Alma, Ms. Dairy, Ms. Alize, Ms. Maria, Ms. Martha, Ms. Sofia, and Ms. Naomi—each of whom has made a special impact on our son. They’ve created a space where he feels safe, seen, and celebrated. I truly cannot recommend Greater Heights School enough. It’s been a gift to our family, and I’ll continue to share our glowing recommendation with any parents looking for a nurturing, enriching, and joyful early childhood experience.

Thomas Reeves We have been attending Esperanza for 7 years and we have been very happy with the quality of education our kids have received. The teachers have all been very caring and warm, which creates a safe and supportive environment. The school creates a strong community with other parents through organized play dates, festivals, parades, and other activities. My wife says when you step on the campus you can feel that it is a “happy place.”

Nan Bryant We love Esperanza! We are going on two years and we have loved all his teachers, floaters, helpers and everyone who has helped make our little one’s experience so meaningful. Our little one has gained knowledge from his teachers and all staff pitches in to help when help is needed. Overall, we love the family feel to Esperanza and how much they care for kiddos. It truly takes a village and we are so grateful for our village at Esperanza.

Kelsey Murphy We have had such a positive experience at Esperanza! The teachers are so kind and many of them have been there for years and years. The school goes above and beyond to create a community for parents to connect with other families. I love that kids get ample time to be outside each day. The campus is large and kids move to different rooms and playgrounds throughout the day to keep things interesting. I would absolutely recommend Esperanza to other families looking for a high quality daycare.

Fernando Herrera Excellent school. Teachers and staff are very dedicated always and the Principal has a very good and direct communication with parents. Kids learn a second language they have a lot of fun activities. An amazing new building. As a parent I am very happy and my daughter is enjoys going there every day.

Silver Lion I am concerned of the education of my children at this school since the new principal Celedon started implementing a different system from the Ivy program that I was so proud to have my children be part of. My kids are losing all the spanish speaking teachers because they are leaving due to the new principal Celedon. I am very disappointed in what is happening with this dual language academy.

Karina Sandoval Since Ms. Day retired, this school is no longer at the standards in which an IB conducts itself. Teachers resigning left and right.

Nanyamka Boyer If you have children and are planning to move to Odessa, do not do it. The majority of the people in this city, especially in this School District are too problematic, and will not resolve any of your issues, but create them bigger. As a Christian, an author and a minister of the Lord God Almighty, only by the grace of God, my family and I have had some of our issues resolved. But if it wasnt for the Lord, who is on our side, they wouldnt have helped us. We have had issues for 4 years with the Schools, the Administration Building, and School board members to no avail. They all protect one another even when they do wickedly towards you instead of standing up for what is right in the Lord’s eyes, knowing that they were put there by the Lord to serve you, the community. The staff in the whole School system needs to get right with God and learn some customer etiquette, moral ethics, and we will have a better School system.

Zander I am not impressed with ector schools, aren’t schools supposed to teach in person . Why is it online and the teachers in ector aren’t really that good . They mainly js stick a computer in your face and depend on you to already know it .

나는 아시아 남자를 사랑 I am extremely disappointed with the treatment I have received at this school Noal , particularly from the principals and Linda Hernández. Their disrespectful and rude behavior towards substitutes is completely unacceptable. It is clear that they do not value or appreciate the hard work and dedication that substitutes bring to the school. One of the main issues I have encountered is their unreasonable expectations regarding working hours. Despite my contract stating that my time at the school is from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., they have expressed dissatisfaction when I leave promptly at the end of my scheduled time. They seem to expect me to stay later than agreed, which is both unfair and unreasonable. Additionally, they have failed to provide any compensation for overtime work. Furthermore, their reaction to a previous substitute leaving a class unattended and expressing her desire to no longer continue working is alarming. It is evident that the working environment they create is not conducive to a positive experience for substitutes. In contrast, when I have been there, I have always fulfilled my duties during lunch and after school, despite having three children of my own to attend to. It is disappointing that they do not recognize or appreciate this effort. Another concerning aspect is their policy of taking car keys until classroom keys are returned. This seems unnecessary and arbitrary. It is an inconvenience and serves no real purpose other than to assert control over substitutes. Overall, my experience with the principals and Linda Hernández has been extremely negative. Their disrespect, unrealistic expectations, and lack of appreciation for substitutes have created a hostile working environment. It is no wonder that they are constantly short of substitute teachers. I would strongly advise taking these issues seriously and addressing them promptly. I will be taking this to the news media. Sulema Arredondo is very rude and disrespectful. She had no rights going and telling my personal business to another principal. I wish the other ladies that were here before her were still here instead. I know many substitutes who agree with me and have said they prefer the other ladies who used be there. They were much more respectful, kind and understanding. Also, they need to pay is substitutes more that $120 dollars a day.

Clay McDaniel This school has been so great for our family. Don’t be nieve that your kids won’t be exposed to everything they would at any other school, but in other ways it is not like any other school we have experienced. I respect all teachers who are called to the profession of teaching. But at Houston Christian specifically, I appreciate the freedom the teachers have to truly invest in the students lives inside and outside the classroom. We have experienced a community that is encouraging and genuine, not just the students, but they entire family. We are Christians so the biblical teaching is important to our family, and it is done in a way that it encourages leadership and practical life lessons. If you want you student to get a first rate education as well as deeply cared for in a spiritually enriching environment, you should consider Houston Christian High School for your family.

Michelle Bouchard The performing arts program, under the first-class direction of Dr. Linhart, rivals any of the great high school performing arts programs in the country. All of their productions are entirely student created. The talent is astounding. Their recent production of Les Miserables was breathtaking and rivaled any Broadway regional tour of the show I have ever seen. This program alone is reason enough to send your aspiring theater student to this extraordinary school.

Kaela Timeraj claim they’re goody to shoes, but make you feel like you’re not welcomed. They are judgmental and rude. Do not partner with them or they will scam you. Look the other way.

Kelly Butler The Joy School has been a life line for us and our daughter. As a mom of 5 kids, I know that all of my children are so very different and learn best in different environments. In the 3rd grade we recognized we were floundering in our current school. The Joy School has helped our daughter immensely with her dyslexic learning difference, but has more importantly given her self confidence, the skill of self-advocating, and she has again found the "Joy" in learning. We are so grateful for this school, the administration and the most caring teachers. Thank you Joy!

Crystal Parker The Joy School has been life changing for my son in the best way. Before he started there, he was struggling and depressed. He has dyslexia and ADHD, and although he was going to a well regarded private school and had a dyslexia tutor, his teachers told me he could not keep up with the work. He cried almost every day. His teachers said his confidence was so low that he was trying to disappear in class by never speaking up, even if he needed help. He begged me not to make him go to school. Kids in his class called him stupid. However, even on the first day at TJS, he was a different kid. He was excited about school. He was eager to get his work done. He was making new friends. Now, after 2 1/2 years there, he is scoring well on testing, even compared to kids without a learning disorder, and he loves school. His teachers have been absolutely wonderful, making him feel supported, making him excited about school, and helping him develop skills and executive function. It seems like magic that I dont have to beg him to do his homework, or even be involved in making sure he is getting it done. His teachers communicate with me when something seems off. Every interaction I have had with the school has been amazing, from admissions, the front desk, the officers on campus, the deans, the nurse... It is obviously a place where everyone cares about the kids. And because of the small size of the school and its amazingly creative staff, they can shift as needed to do what is best for each student. This is how school should be!

Johnny Goodman Lives are changed and forever improved because of this school, their mission and their crazy talented and dedicated team. After three years I still feel deeply thankful every time I drop my son off or pick him up from Joy. They have made the difference for our family.

Roneshia Ray Southwest Schools is a place where students are valued. Southwest Schools cares about each every student. Teachers are caring and supportive. They take the time to get to know each student by name and their families! Students, Families, and Teachers feel supported and are always pushed to grow! Southwest Schools is changing lives for the better!

khanh nguyen Great Administration

Jasmine Brisco My mom said that I will only be on campus for 2 days out of the week and the rest of the week I will do homeschool but I kind of really want to be on campus and the reason she said that I wont be doing it for the full week is because schools keep like changing up one week theyll be like oh yeah its safe to go to school again and another they be like oh you have to wear masks again now she said that until they stop mixing it up then I wont be able to be in school for the full week So please just dont be confusing and decide

Anastacia Ive been going here since kindergarten and am graduating this year. I love this school so much and couldnt imagine going anywhere else! Everyone is extremely supportive.

Certified Certification thank you for hosting the nae unicef summit, campus was great and cozy, loved the boarding houses for the week i was here

Lori Meyer The Village School provides a highly academic education for an international community. As Canadians having lived around the world, the Village School supports our need for an North American secular education with opportunities to engage our student, as well as our family, in a supportive and welcoming international community. The Village school prioritizes a high standard of academics while supporting our childs’ sports aspirations, school travel, and volunteer opportunities. I highly recommend The Village High School especially for a dedicated scholar or a student with international post-secondary aspirations.

Lulo D Ponce I cannot believe that the employee talk to the parent with bad attitude, his name is Saul, and he works at the principal office…

Ashley Barnett This campus is unorganized and disregards all mistakes made on their end. It is the worst experience I’ve had with any school district. The principal is never on campus and no one return phone calls from concerned parents. The parent communication facilitators are non existent.

Ren Phoenix What a horrible school system. It really needs to be revamped from the top down but especially the horrible principals they put in schools with no proper training or leadership skills. Save yourself and your child(ren) the trouble and enroll them elsewhere.

Barbara Cole This place is amazing! Great place to bring family, friends or visiting colleagues for a. great lesson on African American History.

Jeni Howell The Gregory School and accompanying library are great monuments, but even better learning spaces. We were lucky enough to visit on a day when Charonda Johnson was able to give us a tour and her testimony as a Freedmans Town resident. But you can also do the tour inside the building yourself easily. (The remaining neighborhood and historical homes/UNESCO sites are in process of restoration as of 2024 and might be a little trickier to find on your own.)

Ann La We had difficulties locating the parking lot of this library since we were circling around the neighborhood. The front of the building was spacious and looked quite modern. I assume this is an ideal field trip for kids as I saw elementary kids when I went inside. Anyways, this historic library was quiet and empty when we came. I dont know much about the history of the library. However, there are numerous classrooms and lockers. The rooms we went in has displays of history of famous African American figures in history. Theres a sign on the wall that said to refrain from taking pictures. The staff was nice and helpful. They walked us to the classroom we needed. Overall, this library is great place to check out.

Charne Van der Merwe Amazing school with amazing people!!

Dion H The better the people, the better the organization. Rise School exemplifies that. We’re thankful to be apart and have our 2 year old there.

Kelsey Bellard Excellent school.

Verena Lueg We couldnt have chosen a better school for our kids!!! They are learning German and English in a dual program in a great environment. Teacher-Student ratio is really low and the kids get to have a lot of attention. Staff and place is amazing!! I totally recommend this school!

Irunu Brandt Our kids love their school, my little one came from another school where he was crying for 4 weeks non stop, we try this school and he never crying even the first day, so for us was magical. The staff is so friendly and well prepared, the school is small so is perfect for the kids feel comfy and saved like a big family, the location is Beautiful and convenient.

Christian Schaaf Fantastic school with wonderful teachers, who care deeply about the students. This is a dual language immersion preschool, which teaches children both German and English. All teachers are native speakers.

Simply Me I delight in the members of the church. I love the teachers aides but the director, Charli Golightly, is possibly one of the worse employers ever. She creates a bullying atmosphere towards the staff. Shame on her. I was hoping with a new director that the those that are in charge would improve but sadly the cliques that were created with bully attitude continues.

Sierra Armentrout I wouldn’t trust to allow anywhere else to care for my children. The facility is clean, the teachers an amazing. The director, Stormie has been a blessing. They are all so welcoming. My children look forward to seeing their teachers and spending time with their friends.

Magen Bean I wouldnt trust my daughter to go to school anywhere else. As the previous director, I know all of the ins and outs of running a preschool and can say without a doubt her teachers and directors are doing a wonderful job! My girl loves school!

Liz Van Burkleo The Magnolia School Houston is a special place. After touring many private schools in Houston, I knew from the moment we walked in to tour, this school was special and something we wanted to be a part of for our three daughters. As parents know, each child is different, and I had different considerations for sending each of my two, soon to be three daughters here. I have one daughter coming from a Gifted and Talented program and she excelled in school but we wanted her to see her true inner strengths and worth. She has excelled emotionally and socially, and you can see she is truly at peace and free at Magnolia School. Our other young elementary daughter has gained confidence in the classroom with reading and math, being a “middle” student she was sometimes lost in the mix in her large class sizes previously. Her enthusiasm and confidence have skyrocketed in such a short time. I attribute this to the amazing faculty and staff, small class sizes and great group of girls at the school. I am grateful our family has been provided the opportunity for our daughters to learn both the ABCs and the foundations of becoming strong young women at the Magnolia School.

Kate Murphy It is hard to put into words how grateful we are for a school like the Magnolia School in Houston. There are not many like it. In 3rd grade our daughter came home from her previous school saying she wasn’t a good student and we could tell the joy of learning was beginning to wain. We had heard about the Magnolia school through a friend. After meeting the staff, the teachers and seeing the other girls, we knew that we had to apply. The change in our daughter was instant. She loved going to school again (now she wants to go early and stay late). No iPad or computer driven lessons just amazing teachers who love what they do. Her reading, math and writing skills improved exponentially but even more importantly is her desire to learn is not just back but thriving! The level of investment and care for these girls from Magnolia School is something special. The parent community is also wonderfully welcoming no matter what grade your daughter joins the school.

Ramiro R I cannot speak highly enough of Magnolia School in Houston. Our journey with this school has been nothing short of incredible, and it truly exceeded our expectations in every way. Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to finding the right school for your child. We were coming from a different country where our daughter attended a girls-only school, and we were initially concerned about how she would adapt to a new environment. The admissions process at Magnolia School, however, made our transition seamless and stress-free. They were incredibly accommodating, allowing us to complete the entire process online, which was a huge relief given our international move. The moment we stepped onto the campus for an onsite visit, we were convinced that we had found something special. Magnolia School is exceptionally well-structured in all aspects. From the moment you arrive, you can sense the dedication and passion that the staff and educators have for their students well-being and education. One of the standout moments for us was the opportunity to meet the head of school in a very informal conversation. This personal touch left a lasting impression on us, and it was clear that their vision for the school was not just about academics but also about nurturing the girls overall formation and ensuring their happiness and well-being. The emphasis on joy in learning was evident, and its what truly drives everyones efforts at Magnolia School. In a city as large as Houston, Magnolia School is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It offers a unique educational experience that places the development and happiness of its students at the forefront. Our daughter has not only adapted seamlessly but has thrived in this environment, and we couldnt be happier with her progress. Before discovering Magnolia School, we had experience with another international school in Houston, which was very good, but Magnolia completely surpassed all of our expectations. The caring and dedicated teachers, the strong sense of community, and the schools commitment to providing a holistic education make it a standout institution. In conclusion, if youre looking for a school in Houston that goes above and beyond to provide an exceptional education while prioritizing the happiness and development of your precious girl(s), look no further than Magnolia School. Its a place where dreams are nurtured, and we couldnt be happier with our decision to enroll our daughter here. Magnolia School truly sets the bar high for educational excellence and care.