If you’re a first-time homebuyer looking for the best schools in San Antonio, you’re in the right place.
Finding a great home isn’t just about square footage and curb appeal—it’s also about making sure your children have access to quality education.
Luckily, San Antonio offers a wide range of top-rated schools (public, charter, and private) across diverse neighborhoods.
Below, we’ll explore standout options and show you how to find the perfect match for your family’s needs.
Why San Antonio Schools Stand Out
San Antonio’s school districts combine strong academics with a friendly community vibe. With more than 500 public schools serving over 340,000 students, you can find programs emphasizing everything from STEM to the arts.
Top districts like North East ISD and Alamo Heights ISD consistently earn high ratings and boast graduation rates above 95%. For first-time homebuyers, that means you can settle into your new home knowing your child has access to some of the best education in Texas.
SHORT ANSWER
San Antonio’s schools offer rigorous academics, diverse extracurriculars, and high graduation rates, making them ideal for families buying their first home.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE SAN ANTONIO SCHOOL LANDSCAPE
The city spans 17 different public school districts, including one of the state’s largest, Northside ISD, which serves over 100,000 students. Smaller districts, like Fort Sam Houston ISD, provide more intimate learning environments.
Charter networks such as BASIS and IDEA also have a significant presence. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings, 44 San Antonio high schools made the Best High Schools list, signaling strong overall quality.
TOP-RATED PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN SAN ANTONIO
Public schools here consistently score well in standardized tests and college readiness. If you’re looking for a solid education for your kids, check out these top picks.
BASIS SAN ANTONIO – SHAVANO CAMPUS (CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL)
Why It’s Great: Ranked #7 in Texas (U.S. News, 2024) with a STEM-focused curriculum.
Key Stats: 100% AP participation, 98% graduation rate.
Ideal For: Families seeking rigorous academics in North San Antonio.
Real Example: One graduate aced MIT’s entrance exams, highlighting the school’s strong track record. - Visit Basis San Antonio to find local schoolsHEALTH CAREERS HIGH SCHOOL (NORTHSIDE ISD, MAGNET SCHOOL)
Why It’s Great: Ranked #20 in Texas, focusing on medical careers.
Key Stats: 99% graduation rate, 78% AP participation.
Ideal For: Families near Northwest San Antonio whose kids dream of becoming doctors or nurses.
Real Example: Students can intern at nearby hospitals for hands-on experience. - Health Careers High School Official WebsiteYOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (SAISD)
Why It’s Great: Ranked #14 statewide, all-girls program emphasizing leadership and academics.
Key Stats: 100% graduation rate, 85% AP success rate.
Ideal For: Families in central San Antonio who want a supportive environment for girls.
Real Example: An alum now leads a successful tech startup—proving the academy’s focus on leadership pays off. - Young Women’s Leadership AcademyALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL (ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD)
Why It’s Great: Boasts a 97% graduation rate and a 1230 average SAT score.
Key Stats: Offers ROTC, arts, and a range of extracurriculars.
Ideal For: Families seeking a well-rounded education in a close-knit, upscale community.
Real Example: Parents praise the strong community support and numerous clubs for students. - Alamo Heights High School
BEST ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
If you have younger children, these highly rated elementary and middle schools can give them a strong start.
HIDDEN FOREST ELEMENTARY (NEISD)
Why It’s Great: An A+ rating, with 90% of students excelling in reading and math.
Key Stats: Cozy, wooded campus, highly engaged teachers.
Ideal For: Families in North San Antonio seeking a nurturing environment.
Real Example: Many parents report significant leaps in reading levels during the first year. - Hidden Forest ElementaryWOODRIDGE ELEMENTARY (ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD)
Why It’s Great: 15:1 student-teacher ratio, test scores 25% above Texas averages.
Key Stats: A+ rating, excellent reading programs.
Ideal For: Families who value small class sizes in an established neighborhood.
Real Example: Parents frequently mention how individualized attention helped their kids excel early on. - Woodridge ElementaryLOPEZ MIDDLE SCHOOL (NEISD)
Why It’s Great: Among the city’s best middle schools, with 85% proficiency in math and reading.
Key Stats: Strong STEM and arts programs.
Ideal For: Families in Stone Oak prepping teens for competitive high schools.
Real Example: Students often transition seamlessly into top-ranked high schools like BASIS or Health Careers. - Lopez Middle School
COMPARING SAN ANTONIO’S TOP SCHOOLS
Here’s a quick reference table to see how some of these top schools measure up:
| School | Type | Rating | Grad Rate | AP Participation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASIS Shavano | Charter High | A+ | 98% | 100% | North San Antonio |
| Health Careers High | Magnet High | A+ | 99% | 78% | Northwest San Antonio |
| Young Women’s Leadership | Public High | A | 100% | 85% | Central San Antonio |
| Alamo Heights High | Public High | A | 97% | 65% | Alamo Heights |
| Hidden Forest Elementary | Public Elem | A+ | N/A | N/A | North San Antonio |
| Woodridge Elementary | Public Elem | A+ | N/A | N/A | Alamo Heights |
| Lopez Middle School | Public Middle | A | N/A | N/A | Stone Oak |
This table makes it easy to compare graduation rates, AP participation, and locations when deciding where you’d like to buy your first home.
TOP PRIVATE SCHOOL OPTIONS
For families exploring private education, San Antonio offers elite schools with specialized focuses.
KEYSTONE SCHOOL
Why It’s Great: K-12 program in Monte Vista known for its rigorous curriculum.
Key Stats: Students average 1350 on the SAT, 10:1 student-teacher ratio.
Ideal For: Families wanting a highly academic environment and personal attention.
Real Example: One family relocated to San Antonio specifically for Keystone’s well-respected college prep. - Keystone SchoolSAINT MARY’S HALL
Why It’s Great: PreK-12 co-ed with a 100% college acceptance rate.
Key Stats: Emphasizes arts, sports, and innovation alongside academics.
Ideal For: Families in Northeast San Antonio seeking a balanced approach.
Real Example: Alumni often praise the mix of tradition and cutting-edge learning. - Saint Mary’s Hall
Private options like Keystone and Saint Mary’s Hall provide small class sizes, personalized instruction, and strong college-prep results—well worth considering if it fits your budget.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR FAMILY
Picking a school might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re also navigating the homebuying process. Here’s a simple plan to help.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
List Priorities
Action: Decide what matters most (academics, sports, location, class size).
Why It Helps: Sticking to your must-haves narrows down your choices.
Check Ratings
Action: Visit GreatSchools.org or TXschools.gov for test scores and parent reviews.
Why It Helps: Online ratings offer a starting point for comparing schools.
Visit Campuses
Action: Attend open houses, talk with teachers, and observe a class if possible.
Why It Helps: Helps you sense whether the school environment feels right for your child.
Match Neighborhoods
Action: Search for homes in areas where your top schools are located, such as Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, or Northwest San Antonio.
Why It Helps: Cuts down on commute time and ensures you’re within the school’s boundary (if needed).
Apply Early
Action: Gather application materials and meet deadlines—especially for charter and magnet programs.
Why It Helps: Popular schools fill up quickly, so acting early secures your spot.
| Step | Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| List Priorities | Define must-haves | Keeps you focused |
| Check Ratings | Research online | Confirms quality |
| Visit Campuses | Tour in person | Helps gauge fit |
| Match Neighborhood | Align with home search | Saves commute time, ensures zone |
| Apply Early | Submit applications | Secures a spot in top schools |
Identify what matters to your family, do your homework online, visit schools in person, and sync your house hunt with school locations to simplify the process.
WHERE TO LIVE NEAR TOP SCHOOLS
When choosing a home near a great school, it’s important to consider both budget and lifestyle. Here are some popular neighborhoods to explore:
Schools: Close to Lopez Middle and BASIS Shavano
Typical Home Prices: Around $400K
Why It’s Popular: Safe, upscale community with convenient shopping and dining
Schools: Home to Alamo Heights ISD (including Woodridge Elementary, Alamo Heights High)
Typical Home Prices: Generally start around $500K
Why It’s Popular: Historic charm, walkable streets, and a tight-knit community vibe
Schools: Health Careers High is nearby
Typical Home Prices: $300K–$450K range
Why It’s Popular: Family-friendly area with newer developments and easy access to major highways
Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, and Northwest San Antonio are some of the most sought-after neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers who prioritize top-rated schools.
FAQS ABOUT TOP-RATED SCHOOLS IN SAN ANTONIO
What are the best public schools in San Antonio?
BASIS Shavano, Health Careers High, and Young Women’s Leadership Academy often top the charts with high graduation rates (98–100%) and strong AP programs.Which San Antonio district has the best schools?
North East ISD (NEISD) is frequently praised, with schools like Hidden Forest and Lopez achieving 85%+ proficiency rates. Alamo Heights ISD is also known for smaller, community-focused education.Are there good elementary schools in San Antonio?
Yes! Hidden Forest and Woodridge both hold A+ ratings and provide supportive environments for young learners.What’s the top charter school in San Antonio?
BASIS San Antonio – Shavano consistently ranks among the top, offering a high-level STEM curriculum and 100% AP participation.How do San Antonio schools rank nationally?
BASIS Shavano is #64 nationally, according to U.S. News (2024). Health Careers and Young Women’s Leadership Academy also place in Texas’ top 20.
Are private schools in San Antonio worth it?
Keystone and Saint Mary’s Hall offer small classes and 100% college acceptance rates. If you value a personalized education, tuition (starting around $15K/year) may be a worthwhile investment.What’s the best school for college readiness?
Health Careers High excels with a 99% graduation rate, especially for future medical professionals. BASIS Shavano also prepares students well for top universities.How do I enroll my child in a top San Antonio school?
Visit district websites (e.g., NEISD.net) or charter sites like BASIS for application deadlines. Public schools often require proof of residency, while magnets and charters may need more detailed applications.
CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS
Competition and Waitlists: Magnet and charter schools can have waitlists. Apply as soon as possible.
Academic Rigor: Some schools, like BASIS, assign a heavy workload, which can be stressful for certain students.
Housing Costs: Neighborhoods with top schools (e.g., Alamo Heights) often come with higher home prices.
Commute Times: Living farther from your target school may mean longer daily drives.
Be prepared for potential waitlists, extra homework for high-achieving programs, and possibly higher housing costs near top-rated schools.
WHY THESE SCHOOLS WIN FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
San Antonio’s top schools offer a combination of high test scores, strong college prep, and supportive communities—key factors for first-time homebuyers who want their new home to support their children’s future success.
Whether you choose a standout public option like Health Careers High or a private program like Keystone, you can feel confident you’re investing in your family’s long-term well-being.
