City: Houston, TX

Category: Education

Telephone: (281) 396-6000

Address: 6301 S. Stadium Ln.

Description: The Katy Independent School District serves a 181-square-­mile area west of Houston’s city limits, predominately in the city of Katy. This is one of the state’s fastest-­growing school districts. Currently the district’s 53 schools enroll more than 60,000 students, about 43 percent of whom are Caucasian and 34 percent of whom are Hispanic. Although close to 34 percent of Katy students are considered at-­risk, students in the district—on the whole—perform consistently well on the statewide TAKS test. Many schools in the district receive “exemplary” or “recognized” ratings in the Texas accountability system each year. The suburban district is particularly known for drawing in volunteers from the community to mentor students and give them fresh perspectives and opportunities.