4 Pasadena ISD high schools nationally recognized
Four Pasadena ISD campuses have been named among the nation’s Best High Schools in the 2025–2026 rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, placing the district among the top-performing large school systems in the Houston region.
Recognized were Dobie, Memorial, Pasadena and Lewis Career & Technical high schools.
The annual rankings evaluate nearly 17,660 public high schools across the country using a methodology that measures performance across six indicators: college readiness, breadth of curriculum, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student outcomes and graduation rates. Schools are ranked based on how effectively they serve all students – including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds – and how well they prepare graduates for postsecondary success.
In announcing the 2025–2026 list, U.S. News Managing Editor of Education Anita Narayan said the rankings are designed to highlight schools that excel across multiple measures of achievement.
“The Best High Schools rankings offer a starting point for parents to understand a school’s academic performance,” said Narayan. “By focusing on factors like graduation rates and college readiness, we aim to shine a light on schools that are successfully supporting students and preparing them for the future.”
Lewis Career & Technical
Lewis Career & Technical High School led Pasadena ISD’s campuses in the rankings, placing No. 2,481 nationally and No. 289 in Texas. The school reported a 99 percent graduation rate, with nearly half of students taking at least one Advanced Placement exam.
Lewis’ specialized focus on career pathways and industry certifications continues to be a defining strength. The campus offers programs in fields such as health sciences, engineering, information technology and public service – areas that align with workforce needs across the Houston region.
Memorial
Pasadena Memorial High School ranked No. 3,970 nationally and No. 412 in Texas, supported by a 93 percent graduation rate and strong participation in AP coursework, with 37 percent of students taking at least one AP exam.
Memorial also posted solid proficiency scores – 64 percent in math, 60 percent in reading and 60 percent in science – and earned recognition as one of the top 100 high schools in the Houston metro area, according to U.S. News’ regional breakdown.
Dobie
Dobie High School earned a spot at No. 5,445 nationally and No. 537 in Texas, with a 92 percent graduation rate. Roughly one‑third of students took AP exams, and the school reported proficiency scores of 44 percent in math, 54 percent in reading and 61 percent in science.
Dobie’s performance reflects steady gains in college readiness and academic growth across student groups. U.S. News noted that schools demonstrating strong outcomes for underserved populations receive additional credit in the rankings – an area where Dobie continues to show improvement.
Pasadena
Pasadena High School ranked No. 6,762 nationally and No. 663 in Texas, with a graduation rate of 88 percent. Nearly half of students participated in AP coursework, and the school posted proficiency scores of 38 percent in math, 42 percent in reading and 48 percent in science.
Pasadena’s AP participation rate remains one of its strongest indicators, reflecting the campus’s emphasis on expanding access to advanced coursework.
District impact
Pasadena ISD officials noted that the recognition reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for postsecondary success. While the district did not issue a formal press release with quotes, it publicly acknowledged the rankings and emphasized that the results highlight how campuses are serving diverse student populations – with most schools reporting high percentages of economically disadvantaged students – while maintaining strong graduation rates and expanding college readiness opportunities.
The district’s performance aligns with broader statewide trends highlighted by U.S. News, which noted that Texas continues to rank among the top states for high school achievement due to its emphasis on AP participation, accountability systems and college readiness metrics.
Narayan added that the rankings are intended to help families understand how schools compare across the country.
“Our goal is to provide data that helps parents make informed decisions and recognize schools that are excelling,” she said.
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of Education Membership Luncheon Aug. 20 at Phillips Field House, bringing together educators and business leaders to discuss how local institutions are preparing students for tomorrow’s opportunities.
The panel featured Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Toni Lopez, San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer and UH‑Clear Lake Professor Dr. Ann Theodori, each offering insights into their institution’s achievements and priorities.
Pasadena ISD
Lopez highlighted Pasadena ISD’s record 92 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2025, noting that the district has expanded college and career pathways to ensure students are ready for both higher education and the workforce.
The superintendent emphasized investments in tutoring, intervention systems, and family engagement, while pointing to partnerships with higher education as key to sustaining the district’s upward trajectory.
San Jacinto College
Hellyer focused on San Jacinto College’s role in workforce training and its expanding dual‑credit programs with Pasadena ISD. She explained how the college is aligning curriculum with high‑demand industries such as healthcare, petrochemical and technology, giving students the chance to earn credentials while still in high school. Hellyer underscored that these partnerships are vital to meeting regional workforce needs and providing students with clear pathways to stable careers.
UH‑Clear Lake
Theodori discussed UH‑Clear Lake’s mission in teacher preparation and its collaborations with local schools to strengthen STEM education. She emphasized UHCL’s community engagement role, connecting higher education resources with K‑12 classrooms to expand opportunities for students in the region. Theodori noted that preparing future teachers and supporting STEM initiatives are central to UHCL’s contribution to the broader educational ecosystem.
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