If you went to high school in Texas, chances are you had a fairly large graduating class. But did you know that some schools now have over 1,000 students in a single graduating class? With Texas becoming the second most populated state in the U.S., the size of some public high schools has grown to mind-blowing levels.
How Big Are Texas High Schools?
Texas is home to 3,240 high schools, according to High-Schools.com:
- 2,813 are public schools
- 427 are private schools
With so many schools spread across large cities and small rural towns, student enrollment varies widely. Some schools in small East Texas towns graduate fewer than 50 students per year, while others in big cities like Dallas and Houston have over 1,000 graduates annually.
For perspective, South Grand Prairie High School, a typical large Texas public school, had around 2,100 students enrolled when the author graduated. But some schools are even bigger—much bigger.
What Is the Largest High School in Texas?
The title of Texas’ biggest high school goes to Allen High School in Allen, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Allen High School Stats
- Student population: 5,314
- Largest in-person public high school (excluding online and charter schools)
- Home to one of the most expensive high school football stadiums in Texas
Speaking of football, Allen High School’s stadium cost a staggering $70 million to build, making it one of the most expensive high school stadiums in the country. However, even that price tag is topped by the $35 million stadium in Melissa, Texas, a small town with a rapidly growing student population.
Why Are Texas High Schools So Large?
Several factors contribute to the massive size of Texas high schools:
- Rapid Population Growth – Texas is the second most populated state, leading to increased school enrollment.
- Urban Expansion – Cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio continue to grow, leading to larger high school class sizes.
- School District Consolidation – Some areas have fewer but larger schools rather than multiple smaller ones.
- Statewide Love for High School Sports – Bigger schools often have better-funded athletic programs, attracting more students.