Nine YES Prep high schools ranked among the Top 50 high schools in the Houston area in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, highlighting strong academic outcomes across YES Prep secondary schools. 

This year, U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 27,000 public high schools nationwide, with nearly 18,000 schools included in the final rankings. The rankings are based on data from the 2023–2024 school year and measure schools across six indicators of student success, including college readiness, state assessment performance, graduation rates and the performance of underserved students. 

YES Prep North Central Secondary earned particularly strong national recognition, ranking No. 467 in the nation and placing among the Top 500 high schools nationally. 

“We are incredibly proud to see so many of our schools recognized among the top high schools,” said Mark DiBella, Chief Executive Officer of YES Prep Public Schools. “Having served as principal of YES Prep North Central for many years prior to becoming CEO, I know firsthand the dedication and hard work that goes into building a school where students can thrive. This recognition belongs to our students, teachers, school leaders, and families whose commitment makes strong academic outcomes possible. It is another reminder of what our students can accomplish when they have access to excellent schools and educators who believe in their potential.” 

Nine YES Prep High Schools Rank Among Houston’s Top 50 

The nine YES Prep high schools ranked among the Top 50 in the Houston metro area are: 

• YES Prep North Central Secondary — #17 

• YES Prep Southeast Secondary — #19 

• YES Prep Southwest Secondary — #30 

• YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary — #37 

• YES Prep Northline Secondary — #38 

• YES Prep East End Secondary — #39 

• YES Prep Gulfton Secondary — #42 

• YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary — #44 

• YES Prep White Oak Secondary — #50 

This year also marks an important milestone for YES Prep Northline Secondary, which earned a place in the national rankings for the first time. 

Three YES Prep schools ranked among the nation’s Top 1,000 high schools: North Central at No. 467, Southeast at No. 548 and Southwest at No. 812. 

Several campuses also made notable year-over-year gains. North Central rose from No. 739 nationally in 2025 to No. 467 in 2026, moving up 272 places. Southeast climbed from No. 776 to No. 548, an improvement of more than 200 places. 

Recognition Reflects Broader Academic Progress 

The national recognition comes as YES Prep continues to demonstrate strong academic progress across its secondary schools. 

In the Texas Education Agency’s 2026 accountability ratings, YES Prep earned a strong “B” with an overall score of 89, its highest score to date, while all 15 YES Prep secondary campuses earned an “A” in overall performance. 

That means every YES Prep senior in the 2026–2027 school year will graduate from an A-rated campus. 

“This recognition reflects the academic and cultural excellence happening across our secondary schools,” said Philip Wright, Chief Schools Officer of YES Prep Public Schools. “This year, every YES Prep senior will graduate from an A-rated campus, a milestone that speaks to the quality of education our students are receiving. We are proud of the work of our educators and remain focused on ensuring every student graduates prepared to succeed in college, career and life.”  

YES Prep’s 2026 National Rankings 

Thirteen YES Prep high schools earned a place in the U.S. News & World Report national rankings: 

• YES Prep North Central Secondary: #467 nationally | #66 in Texas 

• YES Prep Southeast Secondary: #548 nationally | #76 in Texas 

• YES Prep Southwest Secondary: #812 nationally | #110 in Texas 

• YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary: #1,101 nationally | #143 in Texas 

• YES Prep Northline Secondary: #1,129 nationally | #146 in Texas 

• YES Prep East End Secondary: #1,139 nationally | #148 in Texas 

• YES Prep Gulfton Secondary: #1,226 nationally | #159 in Texas 

• YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary: #1,267 nationally | #162 in Texas 

• YES Prep White Oak Secondary: #1,461 nationally | #184 in Texas 

• YES Prep West Secondary: #2,042 nationally | #248 in Texas 

• YES Prep North Forest Secondary: #2,192 nationally | #268 in Texas 

• YES Prep Northside Secondary: #3,339 nationally | #352 in Texas 

• YES Prep Southside Secondary: #4,201 nationally | #431 in Texas 

A national ranking does not tell the whole story of a school. Behind each ranking are students challenging themselves academically, educators supporting their growth, school leaders creating environments where students can thrive and families partnering with schools to help their children succeed. 

Together, the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings and YES Prep’s 2026 state accountability results reflect the collective work happening across the system and reinforce YES Prep’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to the Education We Deserve. 

Congratulations to our students, families, teachers, school leaders and staff across YES Prep for continuing to demonstrate the Power of YES. 

Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is open at YES Prep schools across the Houston area for students in grades pre-K through 12. Apply today through YES Prep Enroll.