3 Aldine ISD Schools Earn Recognition in 2024–2025 Children at Risk Rankings

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Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Blanson CTE High School, and Thompson Elementary honored for excellence among Greater Houston schools.

Three Aldine ISD campuses were recognized among the top-performing schools in the Greater Houston region by Children at Risk in its 2024–2025 Houston School Rankings, announced Monday, Nov. 10, at a press conference.

Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA), Blanson Career and Technical Education High School, and Thompson Elementary School were each honored for their academic excellence and progress in serving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Young Women’s Leadership Academy earned two distinctions this year: ranking No. 10 among the top middle schools in the Houston region and earning the top spot as the No. 1 Gold Ribbon Middle School. Principal Jericah Jackson accepted the award on behalf of the school, crediting students, staff, and community partnerships for their success.

“I am constantly amazed by the work that these young women do,” Jackson said. “Because of our partnership with the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, we’ve built a foundation of excellence. At YWLA, our ceiling becomes our floor — our previous results become the baseline for what comes next.”

Blanson Career and Technical Education High School

Blanson CTE High School was recognized as the No. 5 Gold Ribbon High School. Principal Joshua Van Donsel accepted the award, highlighting the school’s consistent record of excellence.

“Since opening, Blanson has earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency every year,” Van Donsel said. “Our focus is preparing students for high-demand, high-paying careers. This recognition affirms the dedication of our teachers, students, and district leadership.”

Thompson Elementary School

Thompson Elementary School, led by Principal Miriam Acosta, ranked No. 8 among the top Gold Ribbon Elementary Schools in the Greater Houston Area.

“This award belongs to our teachers, students, and families,” Acosta said. “Our teachers take the initiative every day to look at data, plan instruction, and support one another so that our students receive the best education possible.”

Aldine ISD

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney also spoke at the press conference, which celebrated 20 years of Children at Risk rankings. Children at Risk highlighted Aldine ISD as one of the top school districts in the Houston region for improvement, noting the significant and inspiring gains happening across our campuses. These recognitions reflect the hard work of our teachers, campus leaders, and, most importantly, our students, who rise to challenges every day.

“I am proud to serve all the students who attend schools that are 100% Title I,” Dr. Goffney said. “When we see data like this, we remember that behind every number is a student who needs us to show up and do great work every single day. This recognition is a testament to the leadership and commitment of our teachers across the district and the Houston region.”

Sanborn commended Houston-area districts for their improvement, particularly those serving large populations of economically disadvantaged students.

“In most cases, success starts with leadership at the top and within schools,” Sanborn said. “The Houston region is getting better, and districts like Aldine ISD are leading the way.”

Children at Risk

Children at Risk, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization, has published annual school rankings for 20 years. The group evaluates more than 7,000 public schools statewide, measuring student achievement, growth, and college readiness, as well as comparisons with demographically similar campuses. Gold Ribbon Schools are those where at least 75% of students are economically disadvantaged yet still achieve an A or B rating.

To view the full rankings, visit childrenatrisk.org.