Highlighting educational achievements in 5 Houston communities 

HOUSTON (March 17, 2025) – YES Prep Public Schools, one of the fastest-growing and highest-performing public charter school systems in the nation, announced the release of its 2025 Neighborhood Impact Reports for five Houston communities it serves: Brays Oaks, North Central, North Rankin, Southeast and White Oak. These reports highlight the transformative impact of YES Prep’s commitment to redefining educational opportunities and outcomes in historically underserved areas. 

While nationwide, only half of all students in under-resourced communities graduate high school and 10% earn a college degree, YES Prep students consistently outperform their peers thanks to a rigorous, college-ready curriculum and personalized support. 

By engaging students as early as pre-K, YES Prep significantly increases grade-level proficiency and college readiness rates, equipping students to excel academically and positively impact Houston’s economy and communities. 

Key Highlights from the Neighborhood Impact Reports 

Southeast 

• Impact: Serving a neighborhood where one-third of the population earns less than $50,000 annually and one-fourth of the population has no high school education, YES Prep Southeast Secondary achieved a 95% graduation rate and an average SAT score of 1041 in 2024, with students passing more than 3,000 AP exams. The secondary school has fewer than 1,000 students total and averages nearly 1,000 senior college acceptances a year. 
• Elementary Excellence: YES Prep Southeast Elementary is ranked top in state by U.S. News & World Report, ranking 89 out of Texas charter elementary schools and 1,395 out of Texas public elementary schools. 
• Data: YES Prep Southeast Secondary ranks in the top 3% of U.S. high schools, with a 95% graduation rate and a dropout rate of only 0.6%. 
• Community Focus: With 13 YES Prep alumni and six YES Prep parents on staff, Southeast Elementary and Secondary embody a deep connection to the community they serve. 

North Central 

• Impact: In a community where nearly half of residents lack a high school diploma and over 40% lack broadband access, YES Prep North Central Secondary boasts a 98% graduation rate and a 1015 average SAT score.  
• Elementary Excellence: YES Prep North Central Elementary is ranked top in state by U.S. News & World Report, ranking 172 out of Texas charter elementary schools and 2,470 out of Texas public elementary schools. 
• Data: YES Prep North Central Secondary ranks in the top 5% of U.S. high schools, with a 98% graduation rate and a dropout rate of only 0.5%. 
• Community Impact: YES Prep supports 165 local jobs and provides over 300,000 meals annually, ensuring families have access to essential resources. 

Brays Oaks 

• Impact: Serving a diverse community where 65% of households are single-parent and pre-K enrollment is at 0%, YES Prep Brays Oaks Elementary will open in 2025 to address critical educational gaps. This $22 million campus will deliver a rigorous curriculum in a state-of-the-art environment, enabling students to thrive academically and personally. 
• Data: YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary ranks in the top 2% of U.S. high schools, with a 92% graduation rate and a dropout rate of only 1.3%. 
• Community Connection: YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary has vibrant extracurricular programs, from the K-Pop/Anime Club to district-winning sports teams. 

White Oak 

• Impact: In White Oak, YES Prep is bridging economic divides in a neighborhood where more than one-third of households earn less than $50,000 annually, and most residents lack broadband access. The opening of YES Prep White Oak Elementary in 2025 will provide a transformative educational foundation for 1,000 students, beginning in pre-K. 
• High School Excellence: YES Prep White Oak Secondary is ranked in the top 3% of U.S. high schools according to Jay Mathews Challenge Index, with a 92% graduation rate and a college-ready rate far exceeding neighboring schools. 

North Rankin 

• Impact: As YES Prep’s newest campus, YES Prep North Rankin Elementary addresses the critical need for early education in an area where pre-K enrollment was nonexistent.  
• Community Support: During Hurricane Beryl’s recovery, North Rankin provided over 150 families with food, school supplies, and health screenings. 

“For more than 25 years, YES Prep Public Schools has been proving that a student’s ZIP code does not have to dictate their life trajectory,” Chief External Officer Isy Castillo said. “Our Neighborhood Impact Reports highlight the remarkable progress we’re continually making in providing free, equitable, high-quality education for all.”  

See all five Neighborhood Impact Reports at yesprep.org/impactreports.   

About YES Prep Public Schools  

Celebrating more than 25 years of impact, with 24 campuses serving 20,000 students, YES Prep Public Schools leads Houston forward by redefining what is possible in public education when children have access to excellent schools from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, YES Prep is open to and tuition-free for all children. In addition to rigorous education and enrichment programs, YES Prep schools provide meals, devices, transportation, special education, English language learning, and access to healthcare, mental health and other student support services. To learn more, visit yesprep.org.