What is NES?
The New Education System (NES) is Houston ISD’s comprehensive plan to transform public education—starting with the schools that need it most. NES is designed to deliver a high-quality education to every student and to prove what’s possible when high expectations for educators, staff, and students are paired with strong support.
NES schools follow a proven, research-based model that introduces a clear instructional vision, innovative staffing, rigorous accountability, and expanded academic opportunities.
HISD invests heavily in the professional development of educators, and NES implements instructional practices that create consistent, engaging, and effective learning environments for all students.
What Makes NES Schools Different?
NES schools operate with a reimagined model that prioritizes instructional quality, enrichment, and targeted student support. These are the main 5 elements in NES schools:
Innovative staffing ensures students receive high-quality instruction every day, while teachers benefit from top-notch centralized lesson planning, regular coaching, and on-campus support from apprentices and learning coaches—allowing them to focus on teaching and thriving in their profession.
Art of Thinking courses build students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and information analysis skills—essential tools for lifelong learning.
Expanded enrichment opportunities include specialty classes in music, fine arts, fitness, media and technology, and hands-on science—taught by community experts and designed to supplement existing electives and magnet offerings.
Cultural exposure through travel, at no cost to families, gives middle school students the chance to broaden their perspectives and experience new places beyond Houston both domestically and internationally.
Ongoing learning assessments help teachers tailor instruction in real time—providing extra help to students who need it and advanced content to those ready to move ahead.
Impact of NES
When NES launched in 85 schools during the 2023–2024 school year, many of those campuses had faced years of academic challenges. The results are already significant:
- Student achievement is rising with double-digit gains in math and reading proficiency in many NES schools.
- Campus ratings have dramatically improved. In 2023, only 11 NES schools earned an “A” or “B” rating. In 2024, that number jumped to 53—a remarkable 480% increase.
- Teachers and principals are better supported, receiving clear guidance and ongoing coaching on what high-quality instruction looks like.
