Convenience Big Store: How Fort Bend, Katy schools rank compared to best in Texas

How Fort Bend, Katy schools rank among the best in Texas in 2024, according to Niche.

How do Fort Bend schools stack up?

Niche.com released its 2024 Best Schools in America rankings Sept. 25. There are more than 60 school districts, dozens of charter and magnet schools, and roughly 200 private schools in the nine-county Houston metro.

Katy ISD's Seven Lakes High School was one of three non-magnet public schools to crack the top 10 and was named one of the best schools for STEM in Texas.

Fort Bend ISD's Clements High School, with a Niche grade of A+ was ranked the 17th best public high school in Texas and the 18th best high school in Texas for STEM.

Fort Bend ISD, Lamar CISD and Needville ISD and Harmony Public Schools received overall Niche grades of A. Dulles Elementary and Middle School and Oyster Creek Elementary in Fort Bend ISD were among the most diverse public lower schools in Texas.

What do you think of the Niche ratings?

Juhi Varma, Fort Bend reporter

juhi.varma@houstonchronicle.com

Need to Know

State Representative Ron Reynolds hugs Elaine Brooks, mother of Lisa Torry Smith as Fort Bend Sheriff Eric Fagan (left) and District Attorney Brian Middleton stand after a press conference to announce the passage of a bill creating criminal penalties for striking and killing a pedestrian in a crosswalk Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Richmond.

Photo by: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Fort Bend files first case related to law aimed at preventing pedestrian deaths.

If indicted, the Richmond man would be the first person charged after changes to Texas laws toughening the requirement that drivers stop for any pedestrian or cyclist legally crossing in a crosswalk.

At their Tuesday meeting, the Sugar Land City Council approved a $353 million budget for fiscal year 2024, along with a tax rate of 35 cents.

Photo by: Juhi Varma

Sugar Land council approves $353M budget for fiscal year 2024

The budget prioritizes investments in public safety, redevelopment, data-driven decision-making, and a strong workforce.

Openings and Closings

Barcello's Fusion, known for its Portuguese, Italian, and American fusion cuisines, is set to launch its Sugar Land location in mid-October. The menu features roast chicken, pastas, burgers, and sandwiches. The new restaurant will be located at 636 Hwy. 6, Ste. 100.

Shout Out

Congratulations to the 82 Fort Bend ISD high school seniors named semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, making FBISD the district with more semifinalists than any other school system in the entire region.

One last thing ...

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