A Comprehensive Guide to Houston Education System

Houston is known to be the biggest city in Texas and the 4^th most populous city in the United States. Greater Houston is the 5^th most populous metropolitan area in the US, given the size of H-Town the business opportunities, technological advancement, diverse culture, and educational community are also bigger and better in the city. Houston is famous for its groundbreaking Healthcare and Medical industries along with aeronautical and energy industries, and is well renowned as an opportunity city because of its far-reaching career, business, and occupational prospects and possibilities. The promising success of Houston’s industries, businesses, and economy is connected to the irrefutable education system. The city of Houston takes pride in its dynamic and determined educational system and offers resounding educational opportunities in distinguished institutes.

Understanding Houston’s Education System

Houston education system is committed to delivering intellectual growth and high-quality education to the community to shape a successful future and prospects. The landscape of Houston education is designed with a comprehensive system of public schools, private schools, and charter schools to provide relative learning to Houstonians. The biggest accomplishment of H-Town is having the high-functioning Houston Independent School District (HISD). The Houston ISD is the 8^th largest public school system in the United States with 274 Houston area schools giving tutoring services to more than 194,000 students. There are 40 or more colleges and universities in Houston area, with the University of Houston being the largest public research university in Houston.  The best private schools in Houston are providing quality education in subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. 

The Strengths of the Houston Education System

The Education system of Houston has been responsible for the compelling academic growth in the region. The education system strives to provide a supportive environment, an innovative curriculum, and high-quality schooling. Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the perfect example of excellence in delivering Personalized learning and Blended learning through Innovative teaching methods. The universities in Houston are offering professional learning and intellectual growth opportunities to Houstonians and foreign students, University of Houston and Rice University are considered the best universities in Texas. Some of the strengths of the Houston Education system are listed below:

• Blended Learning
• Educational reforms
• College Readiness
• Teacher development
• Technology Integration
• Career Preparation
• Community partnerships
• Diverse student population
• Academic achievement

The Challenges Facing the Houston Education System

Despite having a lot of plus signs, the Houston Education System is facing some challenges at the same time. The biggest issue that the Houston Education System faces is the socioeconomic inequalities that create difficulties for low-income families and communities. These disparities limit their options for preferred school choice programs which are causing alarming dropout rates in Houston schools and shaping the community into a less-functioning society. In such circumstances, the introduction of social justice education has proved helpful to bridge the gap and promoting educational equity. There are active campaigns to arrange Social justice activities for high school students and social justice activities for college students to cope with inequality issues. 

 Texans for education reform (TER) is working actively to transform the old policies of Houston Texas public schools to provide equal educational opportunities to all students. The negative impact of covid-19 on the education system is also undeniable, things are getting back to normal but the dropout rates of students amidst COVID-19 were so high that it creates achievement gaps. 

Exploring Creative Solutions to Improve the System

The challenges that the Houston Education system is facing have been addressed by the administration of Houston City and Texas State. The plans are in place to explore creative solutions to the problems and eliminate disparities between public and private education. The main focus is the equitable allocation of school funding in Texas and Houston, and ensuring student access to resources to create educational equity and alleviate the difference between public and private schools. The other solutions to improve the Education system are:

• Technology integration
• Equitable access to resources 
• Blended Learning
• Educational reforms
• Project Based Learning

Best Colleges and Universities in Houston

There are numerous universities in Houston offering competent professional learning programs with highly qualified faculty, Rice University and the University of Houston are prime examples of that. It is very hard to name one institute as the best college in Houston given there is a wide range of institutes providing learning and intellectual growth opportunities. Some of the best universities and colleges in Houston area are:

• Rice University
• University of Houston
• University of St. Thomas
• University of  Texas Health Science Center at Houston
• Baylor College of Medicine
• University of Houston-Clear Lake
• Texas Southern University
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Houston Baptist University
• College of Biblical Studies
• South Texas College of Law
• University of Houston-Downtown
• North American University

Rice University 

Rice University is a top-tier inclusive research university in Houston, Texas. The Rice University address is 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, United States. The rice university is situated on a 300-acre tree-lined campus in the heart of Houston. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Rice University ranking is among the top 20 universities in the United States. Rice University is devoted to excelling in groundbreaking research, unparalleled learning, and shaping future world leaders. Rice University offers 50 or more undergraduate major programs across all the divisions of study. Rice University offers:

• School of Architecture 
• School of Business 
• School of Continuing Studies
• School of Engineering
• School of Humanities
• School of Music
• School of Natural Sciences
• School of Social Sciences 

The other things that Rice University provides are:

• Undergraduate Admission
• Graduate Admission
• MBA Programs
• Executive Education
• Financial Aid
• Men’s Varsity Sports
• Women’s Varsity Sports
• Rice Dining
• Clubs and Organizations
• Arts and Events
• Rice Recreation and Fitness
• Public Art
• Faculty and Staff Resources 
• Research Centers, and Groups
• Corporate Research Opportunities

University of Houston

The University of Houston was founded in 1927 and is the largest public research university in Houston, Texas. The University of Houston address is quite simple, it is located near the heart of Houston. The campus area is immensely large, and the University of Houston size is approximately 895 Acres in Urban settings. The University of Houston ranking is between 451-500 in Best Global Universities according to the QS Sustainability Ranking, University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One Research University. The University of Houston Offers 276 degree programs and 24 online Graduate Programs with 631 online courses. These programs of study include graduate, undergraduate, doctoral, online, and continuing education classes. The University of Houston features 16 internationally recognized academic colleges and schools with highly qualified faculty. Some of the schools are listed below:

• Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
• Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts
• C. T. Bauer College of Business
• Cullen College of Engineering
• Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership
• UH Law Center
• College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Tilman J. Fertitta Family of College Medicine
• College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
• Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing
• College of Optometry
• College of Pharmacy
• Graduate College of Social Work
• Hobby School of Public Affairs 

Moreover, the University of Houston offers:

• Graduate and Undergraduate Admissions
• Students' Housing & Residential Life
• Dining Services
• Student Center
• M. D. Anderson Library
• Lynn Eusan Park
• Fertitta Center
• TDECU Stadium
• Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park
• Campus Art District
• Men’s Sports
• Women’s Sports
• Campus Resources
• Numerous National Research Centers
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a Catholic University in Houston, Texas and it was founded in 1947. St Thomas University aspires to deliver Catholic higher education in its ethical and intellectual conduct.  The St Thomas University address is 3800 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States, and the campus is located in Houston’s Museum District on approximately 33- Acres.  The University of St Thomas ranking is among the top 250 National Universities according to the U.S. News and World Report, with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The St Thomas University Houston offers graduate programs in medicine, education, business, Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Accounting, and public administration. The University provides comprehensive Major, Minor, Pre-Professional, Graduate, Associate, Certificates, and Online education programs.  The University of St. Thomas features different schools and centers which are listed below:

• Cameron School of Business
• School of Arts and Sciences
• Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing
• School of Education and Human Services
• Center for Excellence
• School of Theology
• Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

A well renowned the university of texas health science center at Houston (UT Health) is a prestigious public health science university in Houston, Texas, it was formed in 1972. The ut health is situated in Texas Medical Center, so the University of texas health science center at Houston address is very easy to find. The University of texas health science center at Houston ranking is 269^th in the Best Global Universities ranking by U.S News and World Report. The Mission of UT Health is to be a marvel in healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and biomedical and social sciences. UTHealth offers major programs in biomedical science, dentistry, health informatics, medicine, nursing, and health Care. UTHealth features prestigious and internationally recognized schools which are listed below:

• Cizik School of Nursing
• McGovern Medical School
• MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School
• McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics
• School of Dentistry
• School of Public Health

The UTHealth also provides a wide range of education-related services like:

• Research Centers and Institutes
• Student Services
• Housing Services
• Library Services
• Sports Facilities
• Student Clubs
• Events Calendar

Baylor College of Medicine

The Baylor College of Medicine is the health science university and research center in Houston, it was established in 1900. The Baylor University address is Texas Medical Center because it is located within the Medical Center. The Baylor Medical Center Houston aspires to contribute to the betterment of the world with its knowledge and scientific discovery in applied science and health care. According to the U.S. News and World Report, the Baylor College of Medicine ranking is 22^nd in Best Medical Schools: Research and number 31^st in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care. Baylor is well acknowledged as R1 Research University, and it is one of the most competitive medical colleges in the United States with an acceptance rate of about 3 %. Baylor offers M.D. programs, Ph. D Programs, Doctor of Nurse Practice, Genetic Counseling Programs, P.A. Programs, and many other major programs. Baylor University features many top-tier schools, some are listed below:

• School of Medicine
• Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
• National School of Tropical Medicine
• School of Health Professions. 

University of Houston- Clear Lake

The University of Houston Clear Lake is part of the University of Houston System and it is established in 1971.  The University of Houston Clear Lake address is 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058, United States, there are also two branch campuses of UHCL in Pearland and Texas Medical Center. The University of Houston Clear Lake ranking is # 331-440 in the best national Universities edition 2022-23 according to the U.S News & World Reports. UHCL offers more than 90 undergraduate, graduate, certificates, and online programs in accounting, education, liberal arts, social and cultural science, computer science, biology, biology technology, and many other majors. The University of Houston-Clear Lake features 4 colleges which are:

• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Human Sciences and Humanities
• College of Science and Engineering

Texas Southern University

The Texas Southern University is the historical public university in Houston, it was first formed in 1927 for African Americans. The texas southern university address is 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004, United States, and it is situated on 150 acres. The texas southern university ranking in the 2022-23 best national universities is #331-440. Texas Southern University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in business, accounting, public affairs, social sciences, law, mathematics, engineering, health science, and many other majors. Texas Southern University features schools and colleges for major programs, some are listed below:

• Jesse H. Jones School of Business
• Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs
• College of Education
• College of Science, Engineering & Technology
• College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences
• College of Pharmacy & Health Science
• School of Communication
• Thurgood Marshall School of Law
• The Graduate School
• Thomas F. Freeman Honors College
• College of Transdisciplinary Studies

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is the biggest cancer center in the United States. It is a very prestigious academic institute and also a cancer treatment and research center. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center location is 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, United States, and is located at the Texas Medical Center in Houston. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's ranking is no 1 in cancer care according to the U.S News & World Report. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers cancer care research and prevention education programs to graduate students, undergraduate students, trainees, and employees. The MD Anderson Cancer Center strives to eliminate or alleviate cancer in the World. MD Anderson offers comprehensive undergraduate educational programs like Degree & Programs, Clinical & Research Training, Nursing Education, and Professional Education. 

Houston Baptist University 

The new name of Houston Baptist University (HBU) is Houston Christian University, it is a private university founded in 1960 in Houston, Texas. The HBU address is 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77074, United States, and HBU is a beautiful campus situated on 100 acres. The Houston Baptist University ranking is # 64 in the 2022-23 edition of Regional Universities West. The HBU University offers majors and degree programs in Accounting, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Cyber Engineering, Criminal Justice, Biblical Studies, and many other subjects. Houston Christian University features many top-tier schools and colleges, some are listed below:

• Archie W. Dunham College of Business
• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
• College of Science and Engineering
• School of Christian Thought
• School of Fine Arts
• School of Nursing and Applied Health 

College of Biblical Studies

The College of Biblical Studies (CBS) is a private Christian college, it was formed in 1979 in Houston, Texas. College of Biblical Studies is considered to be one of the best Bible Colleges in Houston. CBS is an affordable college that provides high-quality education grounded on Biblical values and standards. CBS offers a bachelor in science, accelerated degree completion program, associate degree, dual credit, and certificate programs in Biblical Studies, Biblical Counselling, and Organizational Leadership in both English and Spanish. 

South Texas College of Law 

The South Texas College of Law is the oldest and top law school in Houston, the college is accredited by the American Bar Association and was founded in 1923. The South Texas College of Law address is 1303 San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77002, United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the South Texas College of Law ranking is # 162 in Best Law Schools and #57 in Part-time Law. South Texas College of Law offers Business/ Corporate Law, Health Care Law, Intellectual Property Law, Criminal Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Trial Advocacy, and many other programs. South Texas College of Law features top institutes and centers, which are listed below:

• Frank Evans Centers for Conflict Resolution
• Harry L. Reed Oil and Gas Institute
• Institute for International Legal Practice and National Security
• Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics
•  Transactional Practice Center

University of Houston - Downtown

The University of Houston Downtown (UHD) is part of the University of Houston system, and it was established in 1974. The University of Houston downtown address is 1 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States, the campus area is situated on 40 acres in Downtown Houston. The University of Houston- Downtown offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in more than 40 different academic areas and subjects. The University of Houston downtown ranking is # 78 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report. UHD offers 4-year degree programs in Communication Studies, Fine Arts, History, Humanities, Health and Behavioral Sciences, Political Science, Social Science, and many others. UHD also features the following colleges:

• Marilyn Davies College of Business
• College of Humanities & Social Sciences
• College of Public Service
• College of Science & Technology

North American University

The North American University (NAU) is a small non-profit university in Houston, it was formed in 2007 under the name of North American College. The North American University address is 11929 W Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77477, United States. NAU is the part of US Education System and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The North American University ranking is among the top 50 universities in coding in the world according to the HackerRank. NAU offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in various academic areas like Business Administration, Computer Science, Education, School Counselling, and many others. 

Houston Colleges International Students

Houston is becoming the study destination of national and international students, as the city offers a wide range of top-tier universities and colleges. The international community is growing constantly in Houston, giving educational and intellectual growth opportunities in the vibrant city of Houston. The University of Houston International Students represents more than 100 nationalities, which is just sublime and unprecedented. The Houston Community College International Students come from all over the world to pursue high-quality learning. Multiple Houston community college programs cover almost every academic area and are available for foreign students. 

The system of Houston Community College scholarships for international students attracts the attention of the international community. Almost every top university in Houston, Texas offers a scholarship program for international students. 

Read more: Fun & Top Things to Do in Houston, Texas

Conclusion

The City of Houston and its administration should take necessary actions to ensure a brighter future for all students in their education systems. Strong efforts from the administration have been put in to ensure equitable education with enhanced quality. The engagement and partnership of the community and parents in the education system will play a vital role in creating the landscape of a better and improved educational system. 

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