U.S. News and World Report named the Laredo Independent School District’s Hector J. Garcia Early College High School (GECHS) as one of the best high schools in the nation in their 2025 Best High School Rankings. GECHS was ranked as the 12th best high school in the State of Texas and the 116th best high school in the nation.
The GECHS is the only high school in Laredo and Webb County to earn this high ranking. GECHS was also the top ranked high school in Region One which encompasses seven counties from Webb to County to Cameron County. The campus has consistently earned the coveted ranking since 2013.
U.S. News and World Report, the global authority in ranking and consumer advice, collected data from nearly 25,000 public high schools from across the country. In addition to traditional high schools, the rankings encompass charter; magnet, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics focused schools. Schools were ranked within their state and nationally based on six indicators of school quality including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, math and reading proficiency, math and reading performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rate. The highest ranked schools are those whose students excelled on state tests and performed beyond expectations, participated in and passed a variety of college-level-exams, and graduated in high proportions.
“The well-known academic success of the Garcia Early College High School reflects the high standards, programs, and opportunities that define this award-winning campus,” said Laredo ISD Interim Superintendent Guillermo Pro. “We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful for the commitment and dedication demonstrated by the GECHS staff and faculty.”
The Hector J. Garcia Early College High School allows students to finish high school and their first two years of college simultaneously while accumulating college hours at Texas A&M International University at no cost to the students. Many GECHS graduates finish high school with more than 60 hours of university credit. Students choose a college major and begin taking required coursework towards completing their degree while fulfilling high school graduation requirements with tuition and books provided by LISD.
“I am extremely excited and proud to be part of Hector J. Garcia Early College High School. Everyone that is part of our campus puts their expertise, efforts, and hearts to make it a great school,” said Maggie Taboada GECHS Principal. “The news of Garcia Early College High School’s national and state ranking is the culmination of all the hard work from the students, teachers, and staff. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with wonderful and dedicated teachers and staff that strive every day to prepare and motivate our students to achieve their academic potential. We are Phoenix Proud!”
The GECHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2017 and 2023, and is one of a few schools located on the grounds of a four-year university. The GECHS currently serves 392 students with 30 staff members. The GECHS Class of 2025 will be graduating 92 students, according to Taboada. The school is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. GECH begins recruiting new students in November.