Best Elementary Schools
in Houston, Texas
We ranked all 548 elementary schools in Houston. The top 25 scored between 8.0 and 8.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
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.
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MEMORIAL DRIVE EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.6 |
| 2 | THE BRANCH SCHOOL | 8.5 |
| 3 | MARTINEZ R EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.4 |
| 4 | HAIRGROVE EL CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 8.3 |
| 5 | MEADOW WOOD EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.3 |
| 6 | SPRING BRANCH EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.3 |
| 7 | TERRACE EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.3 |
| 8 | WILCHESTER EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.3 |
| 9 | THE REGIS SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART | 8.3 |
| 10 | FRAZIER EL CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 8.2 |
| 11 | HUNTERS CREEK EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.2 |
| 12 | ST THOMAS MORE PARISH SCHOOL | 8.2 |
| 13 | THE JOY SCHOOL | 8.2 |
| 14 | HOLY SPIRIT EPISCOPAL SCHOOL - HOUSTON | 8.2 |
| 15 | ASKEW EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.1 |
| 16 | BLACKSHEAR EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.1 |
| 17 | GREGG EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.1 |
| 18 | TWAIN EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.1 |
| 19 | COOK JR EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.1 |
| 20 | HOUSMAN EL SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.1 |
| 21 | ST ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 8.1 |
| 22 | ST STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL | 8.1 |
| 23 | CLEAR LAKE CITY EL CLEAR CREEK ISD | 8.0 |
| 24 | OWENS EL CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 8.0 |
| 25 | RIVER OAKS EL HOUSTON ISD | 8.0 |
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, MEMORIAL DRIVE EL is the top-rated elementary school in Houston with a composite score of 8.6/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 5.6/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.