Best Public Schools in San Antonio 2025: Your Complete Guide
San Antonio’s top public high schools deliver exceptional education with graduation rates exceeding 96% and test scores far above state averages. From Reagan High School’s nationally recognized teachers to Boerne Champion’s 98.8% graduation rate, these schools combine academic excellence with robust extracurricular programs that prepare students for success.
As Texas’s seventh-largest city continues growing, parents face crucial decisions about their children’s education. The metropolitan area’s 142+ public high schools serve diverse communities with varying performance levels, but several institutions consistently rise above the rest. This comprehensive guide examines the top-performing schools across North East ISD, Northside ISD, Boerne ISD, and Alamo Heights ISD—districts that collectively educate over 200,000 students and maintain the highest academic standards in the region.
Recent Texas Education Agency data reveals these schools significantly outperform state averages: while Texas students average 41% math proficiency and 51% reading proficiency, top San Antonio schools achieve 61-71% in math and 69-80% in reading. College readiness metrics paint an equally impressive picture, with average SAT scores ranging from 993 to 1138 compared to the state average of 1019.
Reagan High School leads North East ISD with award-winning excellence
Ronald Reagan High School stands as the crown jewel of North East ISD, educating 3,395 students on its 84-acre campus in Stone Oak. The school’s 96.9% graduation rate and consistent top 10% state ranking reflect its commitment to academic achievement. Reagan students score an average 1097 on the SAT—78 points above the state average—while maintaining 61% math proficiency and 80% reading proficiency on state assessments.
The Rattlers’ success extends beyond test scores. In 2024, teacher Paul Fillingim became one of only two educators nationally to receive the prestigious Jimmy Awards Inspiring Teacher Award. The school offers 62% AP participation across its student body, with over 90 clubs and organizations providing diverse opportunities. Reagan’s athletic programs have produced multiple state championships, including baseball state runner-up finishes in 2017, 2018, and 2022. Notable alumni include NFL quarterback Kellen Mond, highlighting the school’s ability to develop talent across academics and athletics.
Reagan’s comprehensive college preparation includes dual credit partnerships, OnRamps Texas courses, and AVID programs. The school’s 18:1 student-teacher ratio allows personalized attention despite its large enrollment. Located at 19000 Ronald Reagan in San Antonio’s rapidly growing north side, the campus serves a diverse student body that’s 47% Hispanic, 36% White, and 8% Asian, with only 18% economically disadvantaged—well below district averages.
Johnson High School combines size with personalized success
Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High School opened in 2008 to relieve overcrowding at Reagan, quickly establishing itself as an academic powerhouse. Serving 3,163 students, Johnson maintains a 96.7% graduation rate while offering 31 different AP courses—one of the most extensive programs in the region. The Jaguars’ students achieve 71% math proficiency and 76% reading proficiency, significantly exceeding state standards.
Johnson’s award-winning band program stands as a particular point of pride, earning the 2020 UIL 6A State Championship and making nine state appearances through 2024. The program has also achieved eight Bands of America regional championships and multiple Grand National finals appearances. This excellence in arts complements strong academics, with students averaging 1080 on the SAT and maintaining a 57% AP participation rate.
The school’s modern facilities at 23203 Bulverde Road support 24 different sports programs and extensive career preparation opportunities. Principal Gary Comalander, in his 37th year in education, leads a team of 175 teachers averaging 12.1 years of experience. Johnson’s demographics mirror Reagan’s diversity: 44% Hispanic, 34% White, and 9% Asian students, with 24% economically disadvantaged. The school’s dual credit programs enable motivated students to complete their entire first year of college before graduation.
Clark High School showcases Northside ISD’s championship culture
Tom C. Clark High School in Northside ISD educates 2,746 students with a tradition of excellence dating to 1978. The Cougars maintain a 92.9% graduation rate and achieve test scores well above state averages: 1013 SAT and 24.3 ACT. Clark’s 49% AP participation rate and comprehensive gifted and talented programs serve a student body that’s 76% minority enrollment and 41% economically disadvantaged.
Athletic achievements define Clark’s campus culture, with the girls’ basketball team winning the 2023 Class 6A State Championship and the tennis program claiming 31 consecutive district titles. The school’s fine arts department has earned statewide recognition across concert band, orchestra, choir, theatre, and visual arts. Clark also hosts an AFJROTC program and extensive Career & Technical Education offerings.
Located at 5150 De Zavala Road, Clark benefits from Northside ISD’s position as San Antonio’s largest district with over 100,000 students. The school’s 17:1 student-teacher ratio and experienced faculty (averaging 13.2 years) create an environment where students consistently exceed expectations. Recent TEA ratings awarded Clark a “B” grade with distinctions in Science, Social Studies, and Top 25% Academic Growth.
Churchill High School offers specialized programs with British flair
Recent facility improvements totaling 62,593 square feet have modernized CTE and science programs. Churchill’s career pathways span health science, business, technology, engineering, and automotive technology, with industry-based certifications available. The school’s 15.2:1 student-teacher ratio ranks among the best in the region, allowing personalized attention despite serving 60.9% at-risk students.
Athletic traditions run deep at Churchill, including multiple state championships in soccer (1989, 1998, 2001, 2003) and the famous “Gucci Bowl” rivalry game with Clark High School running since 1984. Located at 12049 Blanco Road, Churchill’s central location serves a diverse community: 62.6% Hispanic, 27.9% White students. Principal Todd Bloomer leads initiatives that earned TEA “B” ratings with distinctions in four subject areas.
Boerne Champion shines as Hill Country’s academic leader
Samuel V. Champion High School in Boerne ISD consistently ranks among Texas’s elite, with a remarkable 98.8% graduation rate and test scores that dwarf state averages. The school’s 2,059 students achieve 58% math proficiency and 73% reading proficiency while maintaining a 60% AP participation rate. Average SAT scores of 1090 and ACT scores of 24.5 reflect comprehensive college preparation.
Champion’s location 30 miles northwest of San Antonio via I-10 serves one of Texas’s fastest-growing areas. The school offers 30+ fine arts courses and robust athletic programs while maintaining academic rigor. Recent additions include a 2024 welding certification partnership with HOLT CAT, expanding career preparation options. Students consistently report feeling “over-prepared” for college, with 99% pursuing post-secondary education.
The school serves a less economically challenged population with only 12% disadvantaged students, allowing resources to focus on enrichment rather than remediation. Demographics show 60% White and 33% Hispanic enrollment. Champion’s 19:1 student-teacher ratio and faculty averaging 14 years of experience create stability and expertise that benefit all students.
District excellence drives individual school success
North East ISD emerges as the clear leader among large districts, placing three schools (Reagan, Johnson, Churchill) in our top five. The district’s 68,000 students across 67 campuses benefit from comprehensive magnet programs, dual language offerings, and consistent TEA recognition. Despite recent consolidation challenges, NEISD maintains its reputation for academic excellence with multiple Blue Ribbon schools.
Northside ISD claims the title of San Antonio’s largest district with 100,000+ students across 115 schools. The district’s crown jewel, Health Careers High School, ranks #20 statewide as a specialized magnet program. Clark High School represents NISD’s traditional comprehensive schools, combining strong academics with championship athletics across the district’s 355-square-mile coverage area.
Boerne ISD and Alamo Heights ISD demonstrate how smaller districts can excel through focused resources and community support. Boerne ISD’s 10,849 students consistently earn “A” ratings from TEA, while Alamo Heights ISD’s 4,678 students benefit from the highest per-student spending ($10,655) and strongest teacher salaries ($62,578 average) among area districts. Both districts maintain 95 %+ college attendance rates.
Technology initiatives and special programs set schools apart
San Antonio’s top schools distinguish themselves through innovative programs addressing 21st-century needs. Communities In Schools STEM serves 10,700+ students with enrichment activities, while the new School of Science and Technology expanded to six area campuses for 2024-25. Reagan and Johnson leverage OnRamps partnerships with UT Austin, offering college-level courses on high school campuses.
Specialized programs address diverse learning needs across the region. Churchill’s Regional Day School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students provides unique services, while the newly opened Celebrate Dyslexia School at The DoSeum offers San Antonio’s first charter dedicated to dyslexic learners. Magnet programs like Health Careers High School and Jay Science & Engineering Academy create pathways for students passionate about specific fields.
Dual credit opportunities have exploded across all top schools, with partnerships through Alamo Colleges allowing students to earn significant college credits. Johnson High School students can complete their entire first year of college through strategic course selection. Advanced Placement offerings range from 27 courses at Churchill to 31 at Johnson, with participation rates between 49% and 62% at top schools.
Choosing excellence requires understanding your priorities
San Antonio’s best public schools share common characteristics: exceptional teachers, strong community support, and comprehensive programs serving diverse student needs. Reagan and Johnson offer the highest test scores and graduation rates within large comprehensive settings. Clark provides championship athletics alongside solid academics. Churchill combines specialized programs with strong traditions. Boerne Champion delivers elite performance in a rapidly growing Hill Country setting.
Parents should consider commute times, special program needs, and school culture when making decisions. The data clearly shows any of these schools will provide excellent preparation for college and careers. With graduation rates exceeding 96% and test scores far above state averages, these institutions represent San Antonio public education at its finest.
Schedule campus tours during the spring semester to experience these schools firsthand. Attend athletic events, fine arts performances, and academic competitions to gauge school culture. Most importantly, talk with current students and parents about their experiences. In San Antonio’s competitive educational landscape, these top public schools prove that excellence in public education remains alive and thriving.
Essential Links:
Here are the top 10 most important links from the research:
Top 10 Essential Links
Primary ranking source for San Antonio high schools with comprehensive 2025 data
Authoritative U.S. News rankings for San Antonio area high schools
North East ISD official website – district serving top 3 schools
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