Houston Independent School District

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the largest public school system in Texas and the eighth-largest in the United States. It serves the city of Houston and several surrounding municipalities. HISD encompasses a diverse student body and offers a wide range of educational programs.

Established in 1923, HISD has expanded to include 274 schools. It serves approximately 184,109 students with a dedicated staff of 14,279 employees. The district's mission is to provide every student with a high-quality education tailored to their needs, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

This commitment is reflected in their focus on:

• Strong instruction
• Supporting great teachers
• Developing school leaders
• Fostering a culture of high expectations and accountability

Curriculum and Programs

HISD offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes bilingual education programs. These cater to Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese, Nepali, Urdu, and Swahili speakers.

The district also provides specialized programs such as magnet schools with unique focuses and Vanguard programs designed for gifted and talented students.

Challenges and Oversight

In recent years, HISD has faced challenges including a downgrade in the state's 2022-2023 school ratings. During this time, 56 campuses were classified as failing.

As a result, the Texas Education Agency took control of the district in 2023 to address chronic underperformance and implement improvements.

Locations and Headquarters

The district's headquarters is located at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston.

HISD operates schools across Houston and in several nearby municipalities, including:

• Bellaire
• West University Place
• Southside Place
• Parts of Missouri City
• Jacinto City
• Hunters Creek Village
• Piney Point Village
• Pearland

Location: Houston, TX, USA