Central location, in-demand housing stock, diverse shopping opportunities and dynamic dining are enough to pull families to Spring Branch. But the area also gets an A-plus for its highly rated public and private schools — perhaps the most important factor of all to families raising children.

Parents and guardians looking for the school that’s best for their children within Spring Branch Management District boundaries may choose among Spring Branch Independent School District options as well as private schools that are religious or secular, single-gender or co-ed, for students with learning disabilities and for students seeking to speak at least three languages.

Even the new and expanding Spring Branch Trail for hiking and biking, built by the management district, enhances the attraction of learning in the neighborhood: The trail provides easy, off-street access to several schools.

Spring Branch ISD serves about 35,000 students at 27 elementary schools, 8 middle schools and 8 high schools. Its report card includes:

• 16 National Merit Semifinalists (2020-21)
• $25.6M awarded in student scholarships for the class of 2021
• 8 Region 4 Teacher of the Year Winners (1989-2021)

The Arbor School calls itself the most comprehensive special education program in Houston for children with a wide range of developmental delays, and a school that “strives to educate, empower and build hope” for such students and their families.

Awty International School always gets an elite slot on lists of the best private schools in Houston. True to its name, the school teaches many foreign languages. Awty is the only local school that offers diplomas International Baccalaureate and French Baccalaureate programs. It’s also accredited by the French Ministry of Education.

Houston Christian High School says it “engages students in an empowering, dynamic education from a Christian worldview, developing young adults into effective and impactful leaders.” It features the George and Barbara Bush Center for Scholars and Leaders.

Magnolia School for girls opened in 2019 on the former site of a ballet school. A dean says the school provides a liberal arts education that includes math, language, science, Latin, music, arts and more (to) prepare girls for a life marked with goodness, excellence and joy.”

Monarch School and Institute serves children with neurological differences and offers an innovative therapeutic environment. Its many program range from academics to helping students find employment to a residential program.

Regis School of the Sacred Heart calls itself “a Catholic school for boys of all faiths.” Almost half of its students do not come from Catholic families. The school aims to nurture “scholars and gentlemen,” meaning character is emphasized along with academics.

St. Jerome Catholic School says it “works to inspire our students, families, and staff to be informed and ethical leaders who possess and share a lasting love of learning and a lifelong commitment to Catholic values and service.”

Western Academy for boys says to combines Catholic teachings, rigorous academics and a concept of freedom partly built on physical movement: “There are three recesses per day: a short recess in the morning and a longer recess after lunch for play; the third break is for silent reading and journaling.”