Port Aransas High School

Port Aransas High School sits on Mustang Island, where the Gulf Coast lifestyle is very much part of the school's identity — but don't let the beachside setting fool you, because this small-town campus punches well above its weight academically, ranking among the top schools in all of Texas. With standout scores in math and science, it's a strong fit for families who want rigorous academics without the pressure-cooker environment of a large suburban district. If the idea of raising kids in a tight-knit coastal community where everyone knows each other — and the beach is basically the backyard — sounds appealing, Port Aransas delivers that in spades.