U.S. News & World Report has recognized Spring Early College Academy (SECA) as one of the best high schools in the nation, with the campus climbing into the top 50 in Texas in the publication’s 2025–2026 Best High Schools rankings.
In the annual rankings of nearly 18,000 schools, SECA earned the #326 spot nationally, #44 in Texas, and #9 in the Houston metro area. The recognition reflects the campus’s continued commitment to student growth and college readiness.
“This national recognition speaks volumes about the commitment of our teachers, leaders, and families across Spring ISD,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “When our students have the right support and the opportunity to rise to challenges, they prove that excellence is possible at every level. SECA’s success is a point of pride not just for one campus, but for our entire district.”
U.S. News & World Report‘s 2025-2026 Best High Schools measures high schools on six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum offerings, and graduation rates – putting them in the top 40% of high schools ranked nationwide.
Spring Early College Academy principal Kristine Guidry said the recognition makes the hard work and dedication the campus puts in every day to serve their students worth it.
“Being ranked #9 in the Houston metro area is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students at SECA.” Guidry said. “This recognition highlights that when we empower students to take ownership of their learning, and we give them the tools to be successful—through initiatives like AVID and student-led tutorials—they rise to the challenge and continue to grow..”
For longtime teacher Cassie Landrew, who has been with SECA for 14 years, the honor validates more than a decade of dedication.
“We’re so elated at the final results of our school ranking,” Landrew said. “It is validation of all the hard work, tireless effort, and unwavering endurance of all of our amazing teachers, administrators, support staff, and especially our scholars who demonstrated grit and did the work to get us here.”
The hard work and dedication is felt by not only the staff, but it is reflected in their belief in the students.
“Our students come from all corners of Spring ISD, with diverse strengths and backgrounds, yet they share one thing in common: a commitment to working hard, dreaming big, and persevering,” Guidry added. “This proves that when opportunity meets effort, there are no limits to what our students can achieve.”
SECA admits students through the district’s School Choice process, with qualified applicants selected via random lottery. That means students from across all Spring ISD middle schools have the chance to pursue SECA’s unique blend of high school and college coursework, earning credits toward both diplomas and degrees.