San Antonio, August 29, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio celebrates educational achievements as BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus ranks 58th nationally, and YWLA secures 98th. The schools excel despite Texas educational challenges, reflecting robust academic environments. Other schools also make the Texas top 100 list, highlighting educational strengths. The Texas Education Agency’s recent accountability ratings show declines for several districts, raising debates about the new A-F rating system. Meanwhile, safety concerns at campuses prompt enhanced measures, and clear bag policies are introduced at high school football games for improved security.
San Antonio is celebrating educational achievements as two high schools have been recognized among the best in the nation by U.S. News for 2025. BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus has earned an impressive national rank of 58th and is positioned 7th within Texas. Meanwhile, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) is ranked 98th in the United States and 11th in Texas, showcasing significant academic excellence for both institutions.
Despite facing challenges associated with educational policies in Texas, both BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus and YWLA have excelled in key performance areas. Their rankings reflect a commitment to fostering an environment conducive to academic success, where a strong curriculum and dedicated staff are essential components.
Other noteworthy mentions in the U.S. News rankings include Health Careers High School and the International School of America, both of which have also made it into the top 100 high schools in Texas. IDEA Carver College Preparatory School, previously ranked higher in the 2024 list, currently occupies the 51st position nationally, indicating a slight decline from its former standings. These rankings are critical indicators of a school’s academic rigor and effectiveness in preparing students for college.
The U.S. News rankings are based on several comprehensive criteria, which include college readiness, state assessment proficiency, and the performance of historically underserved students. These factors are designed to provide a clearer picture of each school’s overall performance and how well it prepares its students for future academic endeavors.
In addition to educational achievements, San Antonio is addressing security concerns on its university campuses. Recent incidents involving swatting attempts at the University of Texas at San Antonio have prompted increased security measures and alerts to keep students safe. These measures highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in maintaining campus safety.
As the Texas high school football season kicks off, many school districts are implementing clear bag policies at athletic facilities. This policy enhancement is intended to provide a safer environment for fans attending games. Under the policy, attendees are permitted to bring clear bags or small clutch purses, but restrictions apply to backpacks, outside food, and drinks, with a focus on minimizing security risks during events.
Moreover, the Texas Education Agency has released accountability ratings for the 2024 and 2025 school years. The new ratings reveal a decline for several local districts in comparison to their standings in 2019. School districts such as San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), North East Independent School District (NEISD), and Judson Independent School District have reported lower ratings amid ongoing adjustments to the state assessment system.
The new A-F school rating system has ignited a wave of debate. Critics contend that this system may adversely affect districts with fewer resources, while supporters maintain it fosters transparency for parents seeking information about school performance. As education stakeholders continue to navigate these challenges, the impact of such ratings will shape the educational landscape in San Antonio.
Key Educational Rankings
| School Name | National Rank | Texas Rank |
|---|---|---|
| BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus | 58 | 7 |
| Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) | 98 | 11 |
| IDEA Carver College Preparatory School | 51 | N/A |
| Health Careers High School | N/A | Top 100 |
| International School of America | N/A | Top 100 |
FAQs
What are the criteria used for ranking high schools by U.S. News?
The rankings consider college readiness, proficiency in state assessments, and performance among historically underserved students.
What security measures are being taken at the University of Texas at San Antonio?
Authorities have heightened security alerts due to swatting incidents, ensuring a safer environment for students.
What changes have been implemented regarding high school football games?
Districts are enforcing clear bag policies to enhance security for fans attending athletic events.
How have local school ratings changed in recent years?
Accountability ratings for 2024 and 2025 released by the Texas Education Agency show declines in ratings for several districts compared to 2019.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: San Antonio High Schools Shine in U.S. News National Rankings
- KENS 5: School Ratings by Texas Education Agency
- CultureMap: Popular Stories on Best High Schools
- News 4 San Antonio: Thursday Night Lights Kickoff
- Express News: San Antonio High School Football Highlights
- Wikipedia: Education in Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google Search: Texas Education Rankings
- Google News: San Antonio High Schools
- Google Scholar: U.S. News High School Rankings
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
