For the 2025-26 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 9,942 students in the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston, TX.
The top ranked public schools in Central Northwest are Oak Forest Elementary School, Black Middle School and Garden Oaks Montessori. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston, TX public schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the Texas public school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Texas public school average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston, TX (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Oak Forest Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1401 W 43rd St
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2536
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2536
Gr: PK-5 | 922 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
Black Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1575 Chantilly
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2505
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2505
Gr: 6-8 | 1,331 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #33.
Garden Oaks Montessori
Magnet School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
901 Sue Barnett Dr
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 696-2930
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 696-2930
Gr: PK-8 | 780 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #44.
Durham Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4803 Brinkman St
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2527
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2527
Gr: PK-5 | 570 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
Kipp Nexus Primary
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4211 Watonga Blvd
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 230-0553
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 230-0553
Gr: PK-4 | 819 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Smith Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4802 Chrystell Ln
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2542
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2542
Gr: PK-5 | 736 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Southwest Schools Mangum El Campus
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4515 Mangum Rd
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 688-0505
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 688-0505
Gr: K-5 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
Kipp Nexus Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4211 Watonga Blvd
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 230-0553
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 230-0553
Gr: 5-8 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #99.
Wainwright Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5330 Milwee St
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2550
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2550
Gr: PK-5 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #1010.
Clifton Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6001 Golden Forest Dr
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2516
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2516
Gr: 6-8 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1111.
Stevens Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1910 Lamonte Ln
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2546
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 613-2546
Gr: PK-5 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #1212.
Waltrip High School
Magnet School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1900 W 34th St
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 688-1361
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 688-1361
Gr: 9-12 | 1,659 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1313.
Harper Daep
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4425 N Shepherd
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 802-4760
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 802-4760
Gr: 9-12 | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #1414.
Scarborough High School
Magnet School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4141 Costa Rica
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2200
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 613-2200
Gr: 9-12 | 725 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston, TX?
The top ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston, TX include Oak Forest Elementary School, Black Middle School and Garden Oaks Montessori.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston?
14 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston?
the neighborhood of Central Northwest, Houston public schools minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Texas public schools average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
