Five exceptional San Antonio-area elementary and middle schools have aced U.S. News and World Report’s just-released list of the best K-8 schools in Texas for 2026.

The 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings compared over 81,000 public schools on the state and district level using publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. Schools were analyzed based on their students’ proficiencies in mathematics and reading, and their performances on state assessments for both subjects. Tiebreakers were decided based on which school had higher overall proficiencies, and a second tiebreaker was determined for whichever school had a lower student-teacher ratio.

“The 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings highlight institutions that excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all,” said U.S. News managing editor for education LaMont Jones, Ed.D., in a press release. “These rankings offer communities and families valuable insights into schools dedicated to preparing students for future success.”

Only two San Antonio area elementary schools ranked among the top 100 best in Texas. Basis San Antonio Primary Medical Center maintained its position as the 75th best elementary school in Texas for the second year in a row.

“At Basis San Antonio Pri- Medical Center Campus, 82 percent of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 85 percent scored at or above that level for reading,” the school’s profile on U.S. News said.

Meanwhile, New Braunfels’ Hoffman Lane Elementary in Comal ISD, which ranked as No. 55 last year, fell 16 spots and now ranks as the 71st best elementary school in the state.

In U.S. News’ ranking of the best Texas middle schools, Lopez Middle School in San Antonio’s North East ISD moved up eight spots from last year’s ranking and landed as the 54th best in the state for 2026

Poth Junior High School ranked as the 62nd best middle school in Texas. The school also moved up eight spots on the list. The school is located about 40 miles outside of San Antonio in the small town of Poth.

San Antonio ISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy soared in the rankings in a 13-spot hike to claim the No. 84 spot for 2026.