KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
November 9, 2019
By Natalie Cook Clark
The school year is less than halfway through, yet Katy ISD has much to celebrate going into the holiday season.
Niche Junior High And High School Rankings
According to Niche (a research and review organization for K-12 schools), Katy ISD earned the distinction of having 12 of the top 25 highest-ranked junior high schools in the Houston-area, with Beckendorff Junior High topping the list. Katy ISD High Schools ranked well with three schools in the top 25.
“I am extremely proud of our teachers, staff and entire school community for the work and planning they put in everyday to ensure each of our 83,000 students have access to unparalleled learning experiences across our 66 campuses,” said Dr. Ken Gregorski, Superintendent of Katy ISD. “It is their diligence and hard work that makes these schools and our district excellent.”
Niche Katy ISD Junior High School Rankings 2020
1. Beckendorff Junior High
2. Beck Junior High
4. Seven Lakes Junior High
5. WoodCreek Junior High
6. Tays Junior High
9. Memorial Parkway Junior High
12. McMeans Junior High
15. Cinco Ranch Junior High
Niche Katy ISD High School Rankings 2020
4. Seven Lakes High School
6. Cinco Ranch High School
7. Tompkins High School
Additional Niche Results
Katy ISD has earned an overall Niche grade of A+. The Niche team has also ranked Katy ISD #14 Best School District in Texas out of 1002, and #16 Best School District for Athletes in Texas, and #88 out of 1022 for Districts with the Best Teachers in the state.
Niche Rankings
Each year, Niche assesses school districts from across the country. The rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics, reviews from students and parents, as well as data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, student-teacher ratio, student diversity, teacher quality, grade school ratings, and the overall quality of the school district.
Texas Foreign Language Association's Administrator of the Year
Cecilia Lara, Katy ISD's District Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Curriculum Specialist was named 2019 Administrator of the Year by the Texas Foreign Language Association (TFLA).
Engaging Students in the World Community
“In Katy ISD, I work with over 120 amazing world language professionals to provide experiences for language learners," says Lara. "Our goal is to help students engage in the world community through the study of global language and cultures, I am honored to be nominated and receive this award, especially among all of the amazing members in TFLA.”
Spanish Teacher to Administrator
Lara is a 16-year veteran of Katy ISD and began her career as a Spanish teacher at Morton Ranch High School in 2003. At Morton Ranch JH she also served as a club sponsor and department chair. In 2014, she joined the District’s LOTE Curriculum and Instruction Department. For the past four years she also held the position of Secretary for the Texas Association of Language Supervisors (TALS).
Click here to learn more about Katy ISD's LOTE Curriculum and Instruction Department.
Texas Dance Educators of America Nominee
Patty Henson, the Drill Team Director for Katy High School's Bengal Brigade has been nominated for the TDEA's Lifetime Achievement Award. The winner will be determined at the national conference in January.
Henson has been the director for the Katy Bengal Brigade for 37 years and has 39 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Lutheran University and a degree in Dance from Texas Women's University.
Join us in congratulating Katy ISD and these remarkable women on their continued success.