Choosing SBISD Schools

The Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) boasts a rich history that has shaped it into the award-winning public school system it is today. Established in 1946, SBISD inspires minds and shapes lives through a commitment to providing high-quality education. Encompassing approximately 44 square miles of wooded suburbs and bustling retail and business districts west of downtown Houston, SBISD serves over 33,000 students. The district is home to about 200,000 residents, including those in the incorporated villages of Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Hilshire, Hunters Creek, Piney Point, and Spring Valley. Many families have deep roots in the Memorial/Spring Branch area, while others relocate for career opportunities. 

SBISD prioritizes delivering top-quality education to Every Child and offers all eligible tax exemptions under Texas law, resulting in lower school taxes for homeowners.

SBISD’s guiding vision, known as Spring Branch T-2-4, focuses on preparing students for success. The district and superintendent student priorities include literacy, numeracy, student supports, English Learners, safety and security and Career and Technical Education (CTE). SBISD offers a broad range of advanced placement, honors courses, and specialized programs including Dual Language, IB, STEM, arts, and CTE. The district recently launched the RISE College Academy at Northbrook High School in partnership with Houston Community College, where cohorts of students will be able to earn their Associate Degree and high school diploma concurrently.

Learn more about:

• Our T-2-4 Goal
• T-2-4 College & Career Planning
• Our Priorities and the State of our Schools

SBISD has earned a well-deserved reputation as a leading public school district, thanks to the tireless dedication and hard work of its educators, administrators, and students. This hard work has resulted in numerous awards and accolades that have firmly cemented SBISD's place as a top performer including, recognition as a 2023 HEB Excellence in Education Large District Finalist. Additionally, one campus received the coveted Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School title that same year. 

The district continues to set the bar for academic excellence and post-secondary readiness with outstanding graduation and college acceptance rates. Student scores surpass both state and national averages in college-readiness indicators. The Class of 2024 was awarded $58 million in student scholarships and over 70 students were honored by the College Board National Recognition Programs with 27 being named semi-finalists.



SBISD has four schools for early learning, twenty-five elementary schools, seven traditional middle schools, and four traditional high schools. The district also boasts two district charter programs, including Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS), which serves students in grades 6-12 and offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and the highly regarded Cornerstone Academy serving students in grades 6-8. Additionally, SBISD is home to the innovative Spring Branch Academic Institute (SBAI) which serves highly gifted students in grades K-12. 

To support the youngest learners, SBISD offers full-day prekindergarten for in-district 4-year-olds and half-day options for qualifying 3-year-olds. These four specialized Schools for Early Learning cater specifically to prekindergarten, complemented by prekindergarten classes at selected elementary schools.

SBISD’s Career and Technical Education program provides students with opportunities to earn certifications across various fields, from finance and 3-D animation to culinary arts. Some programs are offered at the district’s CTE central facility, the Guthrie Center for Excellence, while others are integrated into home high schools. 

The district continually enhances facilities and resources to foster student growth and success. Notably, Spring Branch voters approved significant bond programs in 2017 and 2022, funding improvements such as rebuilding schools, enhancing security measures, and upgrading educational facilities district-wide.

• SBISD Schools

The district boasts two district charter programs, including Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS), which serves students in grades 6-12 and offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and the highly regarded Cornerstone Academy serving students in grades 6-8. Dual Language Programs from prekindergarten through fifth grade are offered at Cedar Brook Elementary, Pine Shadows and Sherwood elementary schools. Dual language programs are also offered at several district secondary schools. 

• Learn more about SBISD's Choice Programming

To support the youngest learners, SBISD offers full-day prekindergarten for in-district 4-year-olds and half-day options for qualifying 3-year-olds. These four specialized Schools for Early Learning cater specifically to prekindergarten, complemented by prekindergarten classes at selected elementary schools.

• Prekindergarten & Early Childhood programs
• Early Childhood Schools

SBISD provides students with the best possible opportunities for growth and success. This success would not be possible without the support of the Spring Branch community.

In November 2017, Spring Branch voters made history by approving the largest bond in district history. The $898.4 million 2017 Bond Program rebuilds nine of the district’s oldest elementary schools and one middle school, upgrades security measures across the district, revamps athletic facilities, replaces outdated equipment in music and CTE classrooms, and upgrades the aging fleet of buses. In May 2022, Spring Branch voters once again showed their commitment to the future of the district by approving a $381.6 million bond program. The 2022 Bond Program will fund improvements, including the reconstruction of the district’s central CTE facility, the Guthrie Center, as well as major enhancements to the CTE facilities at Guthrie's Agricultural Science Center and numerous schools throughout the district. 

Additionally, the 2022 Bond will address identified district facility needs, including additional classrooms at Valley Oaks Elementary, new building detention and code requirements after Hurricane Harvey, and lifecycle replacements of audio-visual (A/V) instructional tools districtwide. The bond will also replace devices for secondary students and devices for teachers districtwide.

With over 12,000 enthusiastic volunteers and hundreds of superlative partners, SBISD also benefits from the investment made in time and talent by our community members. In 2023, volunteer participation reached unparalleled heights, proving that SBISD’s commitment to Collective Greatness and Every Child is stronger than ever. From tutoring and mentoring to classroom supports, our volunteers have truly gone above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of our students. 

SBISD is also home to a valuable, community-donated collection of over 600 pieces of artwork and artifacts from all over the world at the privately run and financed Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum, located on the Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS). The collection is valued at over $2 million. 

As a prestigious institution, SBISD has received numerous awards and accolades, including the esteemed Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 31 consecutive years. Additionally, in 2022, two campuses were recognized as Model Professional Learning Communities at Work honorees. For the past three years, SBISD art educators have also been recognized as a District of Distinction for leadership in promoting visual arts within the district and the community by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA). These awards exemplify the district's steadfast dedication to students and the community at large.