These are the nine schools set to join Houston ISD’s New Education System

April 22, 2026 - 02:08

The Houston Independent School District has announced the next wave of schools slated to join its New Education System (NES) model. Nine campuses are set to implement the controversial program starting in the 2026-27 academic year, marking a continued expansion of the district's signature reform strategy.

The NES model centralizes many aspects of school operations, featuring a district-directed curriculum, extended school hours, and performance-based teacher pay. Proponents argue it provides necessary structure and high-quality materials to improve student outcomes, particularly at historically struggling schools. Critics, however, have expressed concerns about its rigidity, its impact on teacher autonomy, and the sustainability of its intensive approach.

District officials confirmed that principals at three other campuses had also expressed interest in joining the NES but were not selected for this upcoming cycle. The expansion brings the total number of NES and NES-aligned schools within HISD to over 130 campuses. The district's administration states the selected schools were chosen based on a combination of academic need, campus readiness, and community input. The move ensures the reform model will remain a central feature of the district's instructional landscape for years to come.