University High School

University High School sits in the southern part of Waco, a city that's been quietly reinventing itself over the past decade thanks to Baylor University's growth and a wave of new local investment. Academics here are a work in progress, with scores that reflect the real challenges facing many students in this part of McLennan County, but families who are engaged and proactive about supplementing their kids' education may still find a community worth investing in. Waco itself offers an underrated quality of life — affordable housing, a growing arts and food scene, and a genuine sense of place — making it a reasonable choice for families willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved in their school community.