The Woodlands High School has once again proven why it stands among the best, earning recognition in statewide and national rankings for outstanding academic performance, graduation rates, and college readiness.
Almost 18,000 high schools were ranked based on six factors, determining performance standards: College Readiness, College Curriculum Breadth, State Assessment Proficiency, State Assessment Performance, Underserved Student Performance, and Graduation Rate. College Readiness is based off the students’ AP and IB exam scores. State Assessments measure students proficiency and performance according to state-identified standards. Underserved Student Performance makes sure to look out for students that come from underrepresented homes.
According to data from The Annual US News and World Report, TWHS is ranked #29 out of all the public high schools in the Houston area, placing among the top 3% statewide. This ranking puts our school at #117 in the state of Texas and #942 in the nation. It is also #52 among Texas high schools for athletics and #239 in the country for STEM. If all of the Texas academies, charter schools, selective admissions, and early college schools are removed, The Woodlands High School places #18 in state, and #5 in the Houston area. The Highlanders Varsity football sits at #35 in Texas as well as earning spot #210 on the national level.
On accountability, the Texas Education Agency’s most recent reports give TWHS an “A” rating overall. TWHS earned “A” grades for Student Achievement and Closing the Gaps, with a “B” for School Progress.
High points from the report:
- About 46.3% of students in grades 11-12 took at least one AP or IB exam. Of those who did, roughly 84.6% passed at least one exam.
- The four-year graduation rate is 97.6%, well above the state average.
- These rankings show the hard work invested by, not just students, but the staff and faculty at TWHS.
“We’re not a ranking-focused school,” Principal Dennis Muehsler explained. “Of course, we’re very happy to be ranked high, but our priority is student growth and success rather than chasing numbers.”
When asked what sets The Woodlands High School apart from other Houston-area schools, he added, “Our students really stand out in the number of AP exams they take and in their SAT performance. Those academic measures really show both their commitment and the support of our teachers.”
“These rankings can help open doors for our students,” Muehsler said. “They strengthen college applications and can lead to more scholarship opportunities. They could also put more light on programs like DECA, which give students hands-on experience that colleges and future employers value.”
“One area we’re really striving to improve is academic progress as measured by the state,” Muehsler noted, “That’s where the ‘B’ in School Progress comes from. We know it’s less about our students’ effort or intelligence and more about how we stack up against state standards.”
He continued, “To support students who may be struggling, we’ve introduced programs like Ms. Roland’s new mentoring program; BELONG—Building Empowered Leaders and Opportunities for New Growth. Those efforts are designed to close gaps and ensure all students feel supported here in school.”
“Parents and teachers play a huge role in keeping TWHS strong,” Muehsler emphasized. “The more we strengthen relationships between parents, students, and teachers, the more information and support we can provide to help every student succeed.”
Looking ahead, he added, “Our long-term goals focus on increasing both student and academic growth. We want to continue raising the bar in academics, extracurriculars, and overall student support so that The Woodlands High School remains the best.”
As the rankings reflect, The Woodlands High School isn’t just about grades, test scores, or trophies—it’s about building skillfulness that prepares students for life beyond high school. With a supportive community, dedicated staff, and driven students, TWHS continues to prove why it stands among the best in Texas and the nation. The Highlander legacy of hard work and achievement shows no signs of slowing down.
