South Early College High School, formerly Empowerment South Early College High School and Empowerment College Preparatory High School, is a college-preparatory high school in Houston, Texas, US. It is a part of the Houston Independent School District.
Serving 452 students in grades 9-12, South Early College High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 76% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 452 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 20% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
South Early College High School's student population of 452 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
452 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
2005
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Early College High School ranks within the top 30% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Early College High School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2073 out of 8096 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
63%
54%
Black
32%
13%
White
2%
24%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Early College High School's ranking?
South Early College High School is ranked #2073 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are South Early College High School often compared to?
South Early College High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Madison High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of South Early College High School?
The graduation rate of South Early College High School is 95%, which is higher than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend South Early College High School?
452 students attend South Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of South Early College High School students are Hispanic, 32% of students are Black, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Early College High School?
South Early College High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does South Early College High School offer ?
South Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is South Early College High School part of?
South Early College High School is part of Houston Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is South Early College High School located?
South Early College High School is located in the Central Southwest neighborhood of Houston, TX. There are 15 other public schools located in Central Southwest.
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