Top 10 Public High Schools in San Antonio
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateTop 10 Public High Schools in San Antonio
Direct Answer
The Best Overall public high school in San Antonio is the Health Careers High School in the Northside ISD, a magnet whose near-100% graduation rate, heavy AP and dual-credit participation, and strong health-sciences pipeline place it at the top of every statewide and national ranking.
The Best Value pick is Brandeis High School, also in Northside ISD, a large comprehensive campus that delivers strong AP outcomes, a broad program menu, and high graduation rates to a wide, open-enrollment population at no tuition. This list is built for San Antonio families and students weighing where to enroll, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and program fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), U.S. News, Niche, and individual district sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against priorities families actually report, drawing on figures from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings, U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, and the College Board. The weighting:
- Academic performance (test scores, AP) - 25%
- Graduation and college outcomes - 20%
- Value and access - 15%
- Teachers and resources - 15%
- Environment and safety - 15%
- Programs and fit - 10%
A school that posts elite scores but graduates few students, or wins on reputation but offers thin programs, drops. The winners balance all six.
1. Health Careers High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public Magnet (Health Sciences) | District: Northside ISD | Best for: Students targeting medicine, nursing, and health-science careers
Health Careers High School is a magnet within Northside ISD that consistently ranks as the top public high school in San Antonio and among the best in Texas. The school posts a graduation rate near 99%, exceptionally high AP and dual-credit participation, and average SAT scores near 1250.
Its health-sciences focus partners with the University of Texas Health Science Center to give students clinical exposure, and matriculation skews heavily toward selective universities and pre-health programs. The school enrolls about 800 students admitted by application.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 99% with elite outcomes
- Strong health-sciences pipeline and clinical partnerships
- High AP and dual-credit participation
- SAT averages near 1250
Cons:
- Magnet admission is competitive and application-based
- Narrow health-sciences focus may not fit all students
Verdict: Health Careers wins on balance - the deepest academic outcomes and a powerful health-sciences pipeline in San Antonio.
2. Brandeis High School
Type: Public | District: Northside ISD | Best for: Families wanting strong outcomes without magnet admission 💎 BEST VALUE
Louis D. Brandeis High School in Northside ISD is a large comprehensive campus of about 3,000 students that delivers strong academics to an open-enrollment population. Brandeis posts a graduation rate near 95%, a broad AP catalog, and solid SAT averages, all tuition-free with no magnet application required.
Its engineering and STEM academies, athletics, and arts programs are well regarded, making it the value champion for families in its zone.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 95% with open enrollment
- Broad AP catalog and STEM academies
- Strong athletics and arts programs
- No competitive admission required
Cons:
- Large enrollment yields sizable classes
- Outcomes vary across a big student body
Verdict: The value champion - strong comprehensive outcomes free to any zoned family.
3. Ronald Reagan High School
Type: Public | District: North East ISD | Best for: Families wanting a high-performing comprehensive school in North East ISD
Ronald Reagan High School in North East ISD enrolls about 3,000 students and is one of the district's strongest comprehensive campuses. Reagan posts a graduation rate near 95%, a deep AP catalog, and average SAT scores near 1180. Its magnet-style International School of the Americas affiliation and strong athletics and band programs add depth, with high four-year college matriculation.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 95%
- Deep AP catalog and strong SAT averages
- Standout band and athletics programs
- Strong four-year college matriculation
Cons:
- Large enrollment means bigger classes
- High academic pressure among top students
Verdict: A North East ISD standout - strong academics with deep extracurriculars.
4. Communications Arts High School
Type: Public Magnet | District: Northside ISD | Best for: Students focused on media, communications, and the arts
Communications Arts High School, a magnet within Northside ISD, focuses on media, journalism, film, and communications. The school posts a graduation rate near 98%, high AP and dual-credit participation, and strong placement into communications and arts programs at four-year universities.
Its specialized, project-based curriculum and small magnet size give students focused, hands-on training.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Specialized media and communications focus
- High AP and dual-credit participation
- Project-based, hands-on curriculum
Cons:
- Magnet admission is competitive
- Narrow focus may not fit all students
Verdict: The communications-and-arts leader - excellent for media-focused students.
5. Brennan High School
Type: Public | District: Northside ISD | Best for: Families wanting a strong, modern comprehensive campus
William J. Brennan High School in Northside ISD serves about 3,000 students in a relatively modern campus and posts a graduation rate near 95%. Brennan offers a broad AP and dual-credit program, strong STEM and engineering pathways, and well-regarded athletics and fine-arts programs.
Its open enrollment and broad program menu make it a strong all-around choice.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 95%
- Broad AP and dual-credit offerings
- Strong STEM and engineering pathways
- Well-rounded athletics and fine arts
Cons:
- Large, fast-growing enrollment
- Outcomes vary across the student body
Verdict: A well-rounded comprehensive standout - strong academics and broad programs for zoned families.
6. Johnson High School
Type: Public | District: North East ISD | Best for: Families wanting a top North East ISD comprehensive school
Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson High School in North East ISD enrolls about 3,200 students and is among the district's highest performers. Johnson posts a graduation rate near 95%, a deep AP catalog, and average SAT scores near 1170. The school's athletics, band, and STEM programs are strong, and matriculation to four-year colleges is high.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 95%
- Deep AP catalog and strong SAT averages
- Strong athletics and band programs
- High four-year college matriculation
Cons:
- Very large enrollment
- Popular electives fill quickly
Verdict: A top North East ISD comprehensive school - strong academics and deep programs.
7. Clark High School
Type: Public | District: Northside ISD | Best for: Families wanting an established high-performing comprehensive campus
Tom C. Clark High School in Northside ISD serves about 2,800 students and is a long-established high performer. Clark posts a graduation rate near 95%, a broad AP program, and solid SAT averages, with strong athletics, debate, and STEM offerings. Its stable, experienced faculty and engaged community are real assets.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 95%
- Broad AP program and strong debate teams
- Established, stable faculty
- Strong athletics and STEM offerings
Cons:
- Large enrollment
- Aging facilities at parts of campus
Verdict: An established comprehensive standout - dependable strong outcomes year after year.
8. O'Connor High School
Type: Public | District: Northside ISD | Best for: Families wanting a large comprehensive school with broad pathways
John Marshall O'Connor High School in Northside ISD enrolls about 2,900 students and offers a broad menu of AP, dual-credit, and CTE pathways. O'Connor posts a graduation rate near 94% and is known for strong athletics and engineering academies. Its size supports a wide range of electives and programs for zoned families.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 94%
- Broad AP, dual-credit, and CTE pathways
- Strong engineering academies
- Wide elective and program menu
Cons:
- Large enrollment yields big classes
- Outcomes vary across the student body
Verdict: A broad-pathway comprehensive school - strong choice for families wanting program variety.
9. Churchill High School
Type: Public | District: North East ISD | Best for: Families wanting a strong, well-rounded North East ISD school
Winston Churchill High School in North East ISD serves about 2,800 students and is a strong, well-rounded comprehensive campus. Churchill posts a graduation rate near 94%, a solid AP catalog, and strong athletics, band, and academic competition programs. The school benefits from North East ISD's resources and an engaged community.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 94%
- Solid AP catalog and competition teams
- Strong athletics and band programs
- Engaged community and district support
Cons:
- Large enrollment
- Less program specialization than magnets
Verdict: A dependable North East ISD school - well-rounded academics and strong extracurriculars.
10. Stevens High School
Type: Public | District: Northside ISD | Best for: Northwest-side families wanting strong programs and graduation outcomes
Eladio Martinez Stevens High School in Northside ISD enrolls about 2,700 students on the city's northwest side and posts a graduation rate near 93%. Stevens offers a broad AP and CTE program, strong engineering and STEM academies, and well-regarded athletics.
It delivers solid outcomes to a large, diverse, open-enrollment population.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 93%
- Broad AP and CTE program
- Strong engineering and STEM academies
- Diverse, open-enrollment population
Cons:
- Graduation rate trails the top campuses
- Outcomes vary across the student body
Verdict: A solid northwest-side comprehensive school - strong programs and broad access for zoned families.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a San Antonio Public High School
- Graduation and college-going rates - A school that graduates 93%+ of students and sends most to college signals consistent outcomes, not just a few high scores.
- AP and dual-credit depth - San Antonio schools offer extensive dual-credit through local colleges; look at how many students earn credit, not just course counts.
- Magnet vs. Open enrollment - Magnets like Health Careers and Communications Arts offer depth but require application; comprehensive campuses like Brandeis deliver strong outcomes to all zoned families.
- District - Northside ISD and North East ISD dominate the rankings; the right district depends on where the family lives and which programs fit.
- Program fit - A health-sciences magnet, a media program, or an engineering academy may serve a specific student far better than a higher overall ranking.
- Environment and safety - Check TEA accountability ratings, climate surveys, and discipline data, not reputation alone.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's national ranking number, the newest stadium, or its average SAT alone. Program access, fit, and a supportive teacher relationship shape outcomes far more.
FAQ
Which public high school is the best overall in San Antonio? Health Careers High School in Northside ISD earns the top spot for its graduation rate near 99%, strong health-sciences pipeline, and high AP and dual-credit participation.
What is the best value public high school in San Antonio? Brandeis High School in Northside ISD is our best value - it delivers a graduation rate near 95% and broad AP and STEM programs tuition-free to any zoned family, with no magnet application.
Which San Antonio high school is best for health sciences? Health Careers High School is the clear leader, partnering with the UT Health Science Center to give students clinical exposure and a strong pre-health pipeline.
Do the top San Antonio public high schools require an application? The magnets - Health Careers and Communications Arts - require competitive admission, while comprehensive campuses like Brandeis, Reagan, and Johnson are open to families in their attendance zones.
Which San Antonio district has the best public high schools? Northside ISD and North East ISD dominate the rankings, with Northside's magnets leading on specialization and both districts offering strong comprehensive campuses.
Are dual-credit programs common in San Antonio high schools? Yes - most top San Antonio high schools partner with local colleges to offer extensive dual-credit, letting students earn college credit before graduation, especially at magnets like Health Careers.
Bottom Line
For San Antonio families, Health Careers High School is our Best Overall public high school - its graduation rate near 99%, health-sciences pipeline, and AP depth set the standard. Brandeis High School is our Best Value, delivering strong outcomes and broad programs tuition-free to every zoned family.
If your priority is a media-and-arts magnet or a top North East ISD comprehensive campus, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Communications Arts, Reagan, or Johnson instead. Choose on program fit, outcomes, and access - not a single ranking number - and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News - Best San Antonio High Schools
- Niche - Best Public High Schools in San Antonio
- GreatSchools - San Antonio school ratings
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) - Accountability Ratings
- College Board - AP program data
- NCES - National Center for Education Statistics school search
- Northside ISD - Health Careers High School
- North East ISD
- San Antonio Express-News - education coverage
- Texas Tribune - public schools explorer
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