The Houston Independent School District earned a B from the Texas Education Agency’s academic accountability ratings for the 2021-2022 school year.

The ratings are based on performance on state standardized tests, graduation rates, college, career, and military readiness outcomes. HISD scored an 88 and saw significant improvement at previously struggling campuses.

Ensuring great schools and programs in every community is one of six foundational commitments of HISD’s Five Year Strategic Plan. The new scores from the TEA demonstrate that a successful transformation is underway.

"We know we still have a lot of work to do, but the rating from the TEA is heartening and worthy of celebration," said Superintendent Millard House II. "Our students and staff have worked hard addressing learning loss, and our score is a result of their efforts."

The district’s improvement is demonstrated by the ratings of many previously struggling campuses. Wheatley High School was removed from Improvement Required status by earning a C. The campus had been on the TEA's list of struggling schools for eight years.

"Our scholars, faculty, and staff took on all challenges by working hard and showing tremendous grit," said former Wheatley High School Principal Joseph Williams. "I am delighted that their work resulted in a passing grade, and this historic campus will continue to be a guiding light to the Fifth Ward/Denver Harbor and Greater Houston community."

HISD schools saw improvements district-wide:

• HISD maintained an overall B rating from 2019 with an overall scaled score of 88.
• 96 (35%) campuses earned an A rating, up 39 campuses from 2019 .
• 117 (43%) campuses earned a B rating, up 39 campuses from 2019.
• 43 (16%) campuses earned a C rating, down 43 campuses from 2019.
• 10 (3%) campuses earned a Not Rated-Senate Bill 1365 rating, down 40 campuses from 2019.
• 7 (3%) of campuses earned a Not Rated rating, up 4 campuses from 2019.
• 94% of campuses earned A, B, or C ratings, up from 82% in 2019.
• 78% of campuses earned A or B ratings, up from 50% in 2019.
• Wheatley HS, after 8 years of unacceptable performance (including one year of no rating due to Harvey), earned a C.
• Henry Middle School, after four years of unacceptable performance and then a D in 2019, has earned a C.
• Osborne Elementary moved from a 59-F in 2019 to a 96-A in 2022 – a district-high 37-point increase
• 79 campuses increased their overall rating score by ten or more points
• 243 campuses were eligible this year for Distinction Designations
• 169 campuses (70% of those eligible) received at least one Distinction Designation
• 22 campuses (9% of those eligible) received every eligible Distinction Designation

Many HISD schools have shown tremendous academic progress, but some continue to need additional support. HISD has 274 campuses. Twenty-four underserved and underperforming campuses will be part of HISD's new RISE transformation cohort this academic year. These campuses will implement new instructional materials, monitor after-school programs, support college and career-ready students, keep campuses safe, establish effective routines, and support a student-centered campus.

"These are not one-size-fits-all strategies. They are tailored to the specific needs of these campuses," said Superintendent House. "We are not afraid to make big changes. We will ensure that our staff and students have the support and resources needed to improve student outcomes."