Katy ISD 2026 Rankings: Why South‑of‑I‑10 Schools Keep Katy, TX at the Top
If you’ve ever wondered why homes in Cinco Ranch, Seven Meadows, Grand Lakes, and Cross Creek Ranch fly off the market (and rarely sell at a discount), look no further than Katy ISD’s latest report card! For the 5th year in a row, Katy ISD holds the #1 “Best School District in the Houston Area” spot on Niche’s 2026 list and lands Top 10 statewide!
As a 4th‑generation Houstonian, a proud Katy ISD alum, and now a Realtor raising twins at Stanley Elementary, I’ve watched this district climb the rankings year after year, while property values in the surrounding neighborhoods climb right alongside it.
South Katy’s School Powerhouse: Inside the District Dominating Houston Rankings
Every one of the district’s highest‑scoring campuses sits south of I‑10 (between the Katy Freeway and Westpark Tollway, spanning both sides of Grand Parkway), right where master‑planned heavyweights like Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, and Cross Creek Ranch are clustered.
Curious which Katy ISD schools top the charts and why buying in their zones can be a secret weapon for long‑term equity? Scroll on for the high‑school, middle‑school, and elementary rankings that keep Katy real estate in high demand, plus my inside take on why these neighborhoods hold their resale power.
Katy ISD at a Glance: Why it is the best school district in the Greater Houston area
- #1 Best School District in Houston Area (5 years running)
- #1 Best Places to Teach in Houston Area | #2 statewide
- #1 Districts with the Best Teachers in Houston Area | #10 statewide
- #1 Best District for Athletes in Houston Area | #7 statewide
Top Katy ISD High Schools
Out of 281 Houston‑area high schools ranked, Katy ISD claims four of Houston’s top 25 high schools, led by Seven Lakes at #2.
|
Houston Rank |
High School |
Key Neighborhoods |
|
#2 |
Seven Lakes |
Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows |
|
#5 |
Tompkins |
Cinco Ranch + nearby enclaves |
|
#11 |
Cinco Ranch |
Core Cinco Ranch + pockets west of 99 |
|
#25 |
Taylor |
Nottingham Country, Green Trails, Kelliwood |
Why it matters: Homes zoned to these four campuses routinely sell for more money per square foot than comparable properties outside their attendance zones.
Good test scores + Katy’s top master-planned communities = permanent demand.
Middle‑School Magic (Seven in the Houston Top 10!)
Among 421 Houston‑area middle schools, Katy ISD captures seven of the top 10 spots. A near clean sweep for grades 6‑8.
|
Houston Rank |
Middle School |
Key Neighborhoods |
|
#2 |
McMeans JH |
Nottingham Country, Green Trails, Kelliwood, Cinco Ranch |
|
#4 |
Seven Lakes JH |
Cinco Ranch |
|
#5 |
Cinco Ranch JH |
Cinco Ranch & nearby enclaves |
|
#6 |
Beckendorf JH |
Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows |
|
#7 |
Tays JH |
Pine Mill Ranch & Cinco Ranch |
|
#8 |
Beck JH |
Cinco Ranch |
|
#10 |
Woodcreek JH |
Woodcreek, Firethorne, Grayson Lakes |
Elementary Excellence (6 of Houston’s Top 10)
Of 937 elementary campuses reviewed, six Katy-ISD schools landed in the top 10 and a total of 13 in the top 25.
|
Houston Rank |
Elementary School |
Key Neighborhoods |
|
#3 |
Griffin ES |
Seven Meadows, Cinco Ranch |
|
#4 |
Woodcreek ES |
Woodcreek |
|
#5 |
Odessa Kilpatrick ES |
Central Cinco Ranch |
|
#7 |
Randolph ES |
Cross Creek Ranch |
|
#8 |
Davidson ES |
Pine Mill Ranch |
|
#9 |
Stanley ES |
Cinco Ranch |
Special mention: 7 more Katy ISD elementaries appear in Houston’s Top 25:
- #12 Tom Wilson → Cinco Ranch
- #13 Fred & Patti Shafer → Cinco Ranch
- #16 Alexander → Grand Lakes
- #17 Pattison → Nottingham Country, Green Trails, & Kelliwood
- #18 Jenks → Cinco Ranch Northwest
- #22 Bonnie Holland → Seven Meadows
- #24 Jeanette Hayes → Cinco Ranch
Realtor Tip: Homes zoned to these A‑plus elementaries, each nestled inside Katy’s premier master‑planned communities, typically sell at a premium. Buyers know the powerhouse combo of top schools and amenity‑rich neighborhoods lets them skip private‑school tuition and win big on resale.
Why School Rankings + Master‑Planned Communities Drive Resale Value
Katy ISD’s consistent top‑tier performance means buyers see these addresses as “future‑proof.” Even when the broader market cools, the master‑planned flagships like Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, and Cross Creek Ranch hold their edge thanks to award‑winning campuses, miles of trails, and resort‑style amenities.
My perspective: After more than 16 years of helping families relocate to the Katy and Fulshear areas, I know how quickly homes in Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, and Cross Creek Ranch move and how reliably they protect resale value.
Want the inside scoop on Katy’s best master-planned communities? CLICK HERE to dive into my Katy Master‑Planned Community Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Katy ISD, The Best Houston Area Schools, & Family-Friendly Living
Q: Is Katy ISD still the #1 school district in the Houston area for 2026?
A: Yes! Niche ranked Katy ISD the top district for the fifth straight year, earning an overall A+ and leading multiple categories, including Best Teachers and Best Places to Teach.
Q: Which Katy and Fulshear neighborhoods are zoned to the best elementary, junior high, and high schools?
A: Cinco Ranch, Seven Meadows, Grand Lakes, and Cross Creek Ranch.
Q: Which neighborhoods feed into Seven Lakes High School?
A: The primary master‑planned communities are Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, and Seven Meadows. They are all located south of I‑10 near Grand Parkway.
Q: Do homes zoned to Katy ISD’s top schools really hold their value better?
A: Historically, yes. Listings tied to A‑rated campuses and major master‑planned communities tend to sell faster and at a premium compared with comparable homes outside those zones.
Q: How large is Katy ISD?
A: The district serves nearly 97,000 students and is projected to hit the 100,000‑student mark by 2029‑30.
Q: Are there good athletic programs in Katy ISD?
A: Absolutely! Niche lists Katy ISD as #1 in Houston and #7 statewide for Best School Districts for Athletes, thanks to top‑tier facilities and competitive programs.
Q: What is the best school district in the Houston area?
A: For five years straight, Niche ranks Katy ISD #1 metro‑wide, earning an A+ and leading categories like Best Teachers and Best Places to Teach.
Q: Which Houston suburb has the best schools for families?
A: Head south of I‑10 to master‑planned standouts like Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, and Cross Creek Ranch, and they are all zoned to Katy ISD’s top campuses.
Q: Where is the best place to live in Houston with kids?
A: Families love the corridor between I‑10 and Westpark Tollway along Grand Parkway for its mix of A‑rated schools, parks, and community events.
Q: What are the best elementary schools in Houston?
A: Six Katy ISD elementaries make Houston’s top 10 for 2026, led by Griffin ES (#3) and Woodcreek ES (#4).
Q: Which high schools consistently rank at the top in Houston?
A: Seven Lakes High School holds the #2 metro spot, with Tompkins and Cinco Ranch close behind.
Q: What makes Katy ISD stand out from other large Texas districts?
A: Katy ISD blends big‑district resources with a small‑district community. They have A‑level academics, top athletics, and excellent teacher support, making it a perennial favorite.
