25 Texas Schools Win Top Academic Honors for 2026

Twenty-five Texas public schools are celebrating a major win after Governor Greg Abbott announced them as the 2026 Lone Star Ribbon Schools honorees.

The statewide program launched last year to recognize campuses that deliver exceptional results for students. To make the list, schools had to earn an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and show strong performance across all accountability measures.

The honored schools span the entire state, from Stratford in the Texas Panhandle to Raymondville near the Gulf Coast. Dallas ISD landed three schools on the list, including the Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School and Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School. Laredo ISD earned four spots with its elementary campuses.

Many of the winning schools have racked up multiple years of A ratings and special distinctions in core subjects. State officials noted that these campuses have built cultures of consistent excellence, not just one-year flukes.

The program replaced the federal National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition as part of Texas's move toward state-led education accountability. Schools had to prove not just high test scores but also steady student growth and mastery of state standards.

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of quality education in preparing the next generation of Texans. The recognition celebrates the teachers, staff, parents, and students who work together to create environments where learning thrives.

The Ripple Effect

These 25 schools represent hundreds of educators who show up every day to help students succeed. Their methods and strategies will likely influence other campuses looking to boost achievement. When schools share what works, entire communities benefit from stronger education systems.

The recognition also shines a spotlight on often overlooked communities. Small towns like Wellington and Blessing now stand alongside major districts as examples of educational excellence. That sends a powerful message that great teaching and learning happen everywhere.

Parents in these school zones can feel confident their children are getting top-tier instruction. Students walk into classrooms knowing their schools are among the best in Texas.

Texas continues investing in programs that highlight and reward academic success across diverse communities.