Challenge Early College High School is a secondary school on the Houston Community College West Loop Campus in Houston. The school handles grades nine through twelve and is a part of the Houston Independent School District. The school's principal, as of 2022, is Jose R. Santos. Its motto is "A School of Opportunity."
Serving 480 students in grades 9-12, Challenge Early College High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 85-89% (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 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 480 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 20% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Challenge Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Challenge Early College High School's student population of 480 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
480 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
2003
School Calendar
School Rankings
Challenge Early College High School ranks within the top 5% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Challenge Early College High School is 0.38, 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
#382 out of 8096 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
6%
Hispanic
78%
53%
Black
11%
13%
White
6%
25%
Hawaiian
n/a
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%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenge Early College High School's ranking?
Challenge Early College High School is ranked #382 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Texas.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 85-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of Challenge Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Challenge Early College High School is 95%, which is higher than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend Challenge Early College High School?
480 students attend Challenge Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Challenge Early College High School students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Black, 6% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Challenge Early College High School?
Challenge 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 Challenge Early College High School offer ?
Challenge Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Challenge Early College High School part of?
Challenge Early College High School is part of Houston Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Challenge Early College High School located?
Challenge Early College High School is located in the Greenway And Upper Kirby Area neighborhood of Houston, TX. There are 1 other public schools located in Greenway And Upper Kirby Area.
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