Best Elementary Schools
in Houston, Texas
We ranked the 468 elementary schools in Houston with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.4 and 9.2 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Houston for 2026 are Mandarin Immersion Magnet School (9.2/10), Valley Oaks EL (9.1/10), and Neff Ecc (9.0/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 468 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Houston?
Every elementary school in Houston is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Mandarin Immersion Magnet School
Houston, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Valley Oaks EL
Houston, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Neff Ecc
Houston, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Houston's elementary school landscape spans 440 ranked schools, making it one of the most extensive markets in the country for families weighing options. The average composite score across the metro sits at 5.5 out of 10, but performance varies considerably — Memorial Drive Elementary leads the field at 8.6, with Martinez R Elementary, Hairgrove, Meadow Wood, and Spring Branch Elementary all clustered near the top. That spread matters: only 80 schools, about 18% of the total, score 7 or above, so knowing where a school lands relative to its peers is worth attention before making decisions about neighborhoods or enrollment. The table below lets you sort by score, location, and other key factors. Whether you're prioritizing academic performance, proximity, or school type, filtering down from 440 options to a focused shortlist is the fastest way to find the right fit for your child.
Mandarin Immersion Magnet School
Valley Oaks EL
Neff Ecc
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Houston's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 468 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mandarin Immersion Magnet School HOUSTON ISD | 9.2 |
| 2 | Valley Oaks EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 9.1 |
| 3 | Neff Ecc HOUSTON ISD | 9.0 |
| 4 | Frostwood EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 9.0 |
| 5 | Memorial Drive EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 9.0 |
| 6 | Brookline EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.9 |
| 7 | West University EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.9 |
| 8 | Roberts EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.8 |
| 9 | Wilchester EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.8 |
| 10 | Bush EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.7 |
| 11 | River Oaks EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.7 |
| 12 | Davila EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.7 |
| 13 | Harmony School of Exploration- Houston Charter HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - HOUSTON SOUTH | 8.6 |
| 14 | Ashford EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.6 |
| 15 | Eliot EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.6 |
| 16 | Lovett EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.6 |
| 17 | Oak Forest EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.6 |
| 18 | Travis EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.6 |
| 19 | Field EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.5 |
| 20 | Kolter EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.5 |
| 21 | Thompson EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.5 |
| 22 | Twain EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.5 |
| 23 | Deanda EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.5 |
| 24 | The Branch School | 8.5 |
| 25 | Step Charter II Charter STEP CHARTER SCHOOL | 8.4 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Texas education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Texas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Houston
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Houston's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Houston
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Houston's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 548 schools spanning 55 school districts, plus 67 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Houston, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School is the top-rated elementary school in Houston with a composite score of 9.2/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Houston, Texas?
Houston has 548 elementary schools, including 67 charter schools. Of these, 502 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Houston?
The average composite score for Houston elementary schools is 5.9/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Texas).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Texas, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Texas, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Houston elementary school rankings?
Yes. Houston has 67 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.