Sam Houston High School, located in east Arlington, Texas, is a public high school serving grades 9–12. It is one of the six high schools comprising the Arlington Independent School District in Arlington, Texas. The current principal is Juan Villarreal. The school is also known as Sam Houston HS, SHHS, and Big Sam.
Serving 3,177 students in grades 9-12, Sam Houston High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 31% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 3,177 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sam Houston High School's student population of 3,177 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 204 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
3,177 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
204 teachers
Year Founded
1963
Colors
White, Blue, Red
School Rankings
Sam Houston High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,188 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sam Houston High School is 0.43, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6951 out of 8188 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
46%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
6%
Hispanic
73%
53%
Black
20%
13%
White
3%
25%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
77%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Long Tall Texan
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sam Houston High School's ranking?
Sam Houston High School is ranked #6951 out of 8,188 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are Sam Houston High School often compared to?
Sam Houston High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Arlington High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% TX state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of Sam Houston High School?
The graduation rate of Sam Houston High School is 77%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend Sam Houston High School?
3,177 students attend Sam Houston High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Sam Houston High School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Sam Houston High School?
Sam Houston High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Sam Houston High School offer ?
Sam Houston High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Sam Houston High School part of?
Sam Houston High School is part of Arlington Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Sam Houston High School located?
Sam Houston High School is located in the East Arlington neighborhood of Arlington, TX. There are 17 other public schools located in East Arlington.
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