Every student deserves a bright future. For many young adults, that starts with a college or community college education. But preparation is the key to success.
Over half of all high-wage, high-demand jobs in Texas require a postsecondary credential.¹ College degrees can open doors to 21st-century careers that boost earnings — and our economy. Of course, students who choose not to attend college also benefit from a strong academic foundation that prepares them for success.
College-Ready Campuses are public high schools where at least 85% of graduates are designated college-ready.
These schools empower students from all backgrounds to reach their dreams. They give families confidence in whatever comes next.
Just 26% of Texas high school students are residentially assigned to a College-Ready Campus within their traditional school district.
Public charter schools increase access to 63% of high school students, meaning 2.5 times as many students have this opportunity.
Public Charter Schools Expand Access to College-Ready Campuses
2.5× as many students have this opportunity because public charter schools exist
26%Without public charters: 432,222 students
63%Including public charters: 1,074,528 students
Students with access to College-Ready Campuses
WithoutPublic Charter Schools
IncludingPublic Charter Schools
San Antonio
Without public charters5%5%
Including public charters65%65%
RGV
Without public charters7%7%
Including public charters83%83%
Dallas/FW
Without public charters32%32%
Including public charters74%74%
Austin
Without public charters36%36%
Including public charters70%70%
Houston
Without public charters21%21%
Including public charters61%61%
El Paso
Without public charters38%38%
Including public charters68%68%
Our Analysis: An Innovative Way to Measure Impact²
We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to map the attendance zones of all ISD high school campuses. Each high school was matched with its 2024 college readiness rate, according to Texas Education Agency data.
Next, we incorporated U.S. Census data to see how many high school age students live in each ISD attendance zone. This allowed us to calculate how many students are residentially zoned to a College-Ready Campus.
Finally, we overlaid drive times to public charter high schools that meet the same College-Ready Campus standard. Hundreds of thousands of students who are not zoned to a College-Ready Campus still live within a 15-minute drive of a qualifying public charter school.
We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to map the attendance zones of all ISD high school campuses. Each high school was matched with its 2024 college readiness rate, according to Texas Education Agency data.
Next, we incorporated U.S. Census data to see how many high school age students live in each ISD attendance zone. This allowed us to calculate how many students are residentially zoned to a College-Ready Campus.
Finally, we overlaid drive times to public charter high schools that meet the same College-Ready Campus standard. Hundreds of thousands of students who are not zoned to a College-Ready Campus still live within a 15-minute drive of a qualifying public charter school.
More Public Charter Schools Are College-Ready Campuses³
College-Ready Campuses by school type
School Type
College-Ready Campuses
All High Schools
Share
Public Charters
140140
212212
66%66%
ISDs
489489
1,4941,494
33%33%
Total
629629
1,7061,706
37%37%
College-Ready Campuses are high schools where at least 85% of graduates are designated college-ready. Shares are rounded.
We focused on high schools with at least 85% of graduates designated college-ready because these are valuable options for families, but are not “miracle schools.” It’s an achievable standard.
One third of traditional district high schools are College-Ready Campuses, but two thirds of public charter high schools meet this mark.
Public Charter Schools Unlock College for More Students³
Our analysis focuses on college readiness, but Texas public charter schools are also helping more students — no matter who they are or where they come from — enroll in higher education.
Greater college readiness translates into real postsecondary opportunities.
Not everyone wants or needs to go to college, but every student deserves to be prepared for success on the path they choose.
Public charter schools expand opportunity beyond an assigned campus. When prepared students enroll in higher education, they can reach for the stars.
Standard Accountability: Graduates Enrolled in Texas Institution of Higher Education (Class of 2022)
All Students
Public Charter: 61%61%
ISD: 49%49%
Economically Disadvantaged
Public Charter: 59%59%
ISD: 43%43%
English Learners
Public Charter: 52%52%
ISD: 29%29%
Special Education
Public Charter: 45%45%
ISD: 25%25%
Public CharterISD
Data Notes:
1. Texas 2036 Education and Workforce Report 2. For more details and a video of the methodology, see the Data Appendix. 3. 2024–25 Texas Academic Performance Reports for Standard Accountability Campuses
