Houston Independent School District
BHouston ISD is the largest school district in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States, serving approximately 213,000 students across the city of Houston. Since 2023, the district has been under state takeover by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), with appointed managers replacing the elected school board. Despite these governance challenges, HISD contains some of the most elite magnet and college-preparatory schools in the nation, including DeBakey High School for Health Professions and Carnegie Vanguard High School. The district has closed many chronically underperforming campuses and is working to raise academic standards across all schools. HISD offers magnet programs, dual-language immersion, Montessori, and International Baccalaureate options.
Top Schools
Roberts Elementary
elementary SchoolDeBakey High School for Health Professions
high SchoolCarnegie Vanguard High School
high SchoolHouston School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA)
high SchoolLamar High School
high SchoolNeighborhoods in This District
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the TEA state takeover of HISD mean for students?
In 2023, the Texas Education Agency replaced the elected HISD school board with appointed managers to address chronically underperforming campuses and governance issues. Day-to-day operations continue, and the district is implementing new leadership at struggling schools, closing some F-rated campuses, and investing in teacher recruitment. Parents of students at high-performing magnet schools have seen minimal disruption, while families at previously struggling campuses may experience significant changes in leadership and curriculum.
How do HISD magnet programs work?
HISD operates a competitive magnet school system where students apply for admission to specialized campuses across the district, regardless of their home address. Programs include health sciences (DeBakey), college preparatory (Carnegie Vanguard), performing arts (HSPVA), and STEM-focused magnets. Applications typically open in the fall for the following school year, and selection is based on grades, test scores, auditions, or lottery depending on the program.
Is HISD improving under state management?
Results are mixed. TEA-appointed leadership has moved quickly to close underperforming schools, replace principals, and restructure campus operations. Some early indicators show improvements at targeted campuses, but the changes have been controversial. Many community members and educators have criticized the lack of democratic representation on the school board. Families considering HISD should research individual campus ratings rather than relying solely on the district-wide grade, as quality varies dramatically from school to school.