The Phoenix continues flying high at Hector J. Garcia Early College High School (GECHS), as U.S. News and World Report once again named the Laredo Independent School District’s GECHS as one of the best high schools in the nation in their 2026 Best High School Rankings. GECHS was ranked as the 22nd best high school in the State of Texas and the 155th best high school in the nation.
“We are proud to be ranked 152nd in the nation and 22nd in the state of Texas by U.S. News & World Report,” said Maggie Taboada GECHS Principal. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our school community working together to help students successfully complete their high school education while preparing them for the opportunities and challenges that come after graduation.”
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 include 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 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 Garcia Early College High School continues breaking barriers as one of the top-rated high schools in the state and nationally, while leading the way by producing self-motivated college-bound students.”
The GECHS is the only high school in Laredo and Webb County to earn this ranking.
“I feel very proud to be a student at Hector J. Garcia Early College,” said Isabel Ornelas, GECHS 10th grader. “I can be myself and take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by GECHS, primarily, earning college credit from Texas A&M International University.”
“For 19 years, I have had the privilege of working at Hector J. Garcia Early College High School and witnessing faculty, staff, and students work together to earn state and national recognition as a top Laredo public school,” said Sara Villanueva, GECHS English Language Arts teacher. “It truly takes a village to achieve the amazing accomplishments we see each year. I am hopeful and excited to continue our work of teaching, inspiring, and preparing our current and future Phoenix students for success.”
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. 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.
The GECHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017 and 2023, and is one of a few schools located on the grounds of a four-year university. The GECHS currently serves 486 students. The GECHS Class of 2027 will be graduating 93 students, according to Taboada.