At a time when public education often makes headlines for its challenges, one Houston campaign is working to change the narrative by focusing on what’s going right inside local schools.

Now in its second year, Houston Schools That Inspire, an initiative led by Good Reason Houston, is preparing to unveil its 2025 honorees. Each year, the campaign celebrates a small group of public schools that are reimagining what education can look like — and achieving real results.

“These schools remind us that while there’s still a lot of work to do, there’s also a lot to celebrate,” said Meron Tekle, Managing Director of Insights at Good Reason Houston and leader of the Houston Schools That Inspire initiative. “This is a campaign rooted in the belief that change can grow from success. When we find what’s working, what’s beautiful, bold and quietly revolutionary, we can do more of it, replicate it, expand it, and, most importantly, believe in what’s possible.”

This year’s campaign is centered around two key themes: early childhood education and student achievement across diverse student groups.

Laying the Foundation in Pre-K

One area of focus is Pre-K, where some of Houston’s schools are creating learning environments that blend play, joy, care, and academic rigor. These schools are not only preparing students for kindergarten—they’re setting the stage for a lifetime of learning and connection.

“In a state where access to high-quality Pre-K varies widely, we want to highlight what’s possible when our youngest learners are met with intention, love, and high expectations,” Tekle said.

Achievement for Every Student

The second theme celebrates schools where student success is showing up across the board. Black and Latino students, emergent bilingual learners, and students with special needs are all outperforming regional and state averages at these campuses.

“These schools are proof that when systems are built to respond to each student’s needs, every learner can thrive,” Tekle added. “And they’re doing it in different ways—from culturally responsive teaching to tight instructional practices and strong relationships.”

The schools selected for this year’s Houston Schools That Inspire are not without challenges. But they stand as “proof points,” showing what’s possible when educators, students, and families work together toward a shared vision of success.

The 2025 list of honorees will be released next week as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. Good Reason Houston hopes the campaign will not only celebrate these schools but also inspire others to believe in the power of public education.

“We look forward to being able to lift up what’s working and offer an up-close look at the classrooms, strategies, and school cultures driving success,” Tekle said. “Our goal is simple: to share these stories widely so that we can all learn from them, be energized by them, and be reminded of the joy and power in our collective work.”