SETX Directory

Southeast Texas Schools & Education

Complete guide to K-12 school districts, colleges, and workforce training across Southeast Texas — with TEA academic ratings, enrollment data, and district profiles.

Education at a Glance

12

K-12 Districts

Across the region

57,350

K-12 Students

Total enrollment

5

Colleges & Universities

Higher education

38,654

Higher Ed Students

Total enrollment

K-12 School Districts

Southeast Texas is served by 12 school districts spanning Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, and Chambers counties. Districts are sorted by TEA academic rating below.

Nederland ISD

A

Nederland, Jefferson County

4,800 students · 8 campuses

Nederland ISD is the highest-rated major school district in Southeast Texas, consistently earning TEA "A" ratings.

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Hardin-Jefferson ISD

A-

Sour Lake, Hardin County

2,800 students · 5 campuses

Hardin-Jefferson ISD serves the rural communities of northern Jefferson County and southern Hardin County, including Sour Lake, China, and surrounding areas.

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Bridge City ISD

B+

Bridge City, Orange County

3,200 students · 6 campuses

Bridge City ISD is one of the higher-performing school districts in Orange County, serving the Bridge City community with strong academics and competitive athletics.

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Port Neches-Groves ISD

B+

Port Neches, Jefferson County

5,400 students · 9 campuses

Port Neches-Groves ISD serves the twin Mid-County communities of Port Neches and Groves.

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Orangefield ISD

B+

Orangefield, Orange County

1,600 students · 4 campuses

Orangefield ISD is a small rural school district in Orange County known for high academic performance relative to its size.

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Hamshire-Fannett ISD

B+

Hamshire, Jefferson County

1,900 students · 4 campuses

Hamshire-Fannett ISD serves the rural eastern Jefferson County communities of Hamshire and Fannett.

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Lumberton ISD

B

Lumberton, Hardin County

5,200 students · 8 campuses

Lumberton ISD is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Southeast Texas, serving a rapidly expanding suburban community in Hardin County north of Beaumont.

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Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD

B

Orange, Orange County

3,600 students · 7 campuses

Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD serves the communities of Mauriceville and western Orange County.

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East Chambers ISD

B

Winnie, Chambers County

1,200 students · 3 campuses

East Chambers ISD serves the Winnie and Stowell communities in eastern Chambers County, at the western edge of the Southeast Texas region.

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Bob Hope School

B

Beaumont, Jefferson County

950 students · 2 campuses

Bob Hope School is an independent charter school in Beaumont offering a structured, character-based education with a military-influenced JROTC program.

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Beaumont ISD

C+

Beaumont, Jefferson County

18,500 students · 32 campuses

Beaumont ISD is the largest school district in Southeast Texas, serving 18,500 students across 32 campuses in the city of Beaumont.

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Port Arthur ISD

C

Port Arthur, Jefferson County

8,200 students · 18 campuses

Port Arthur ISD serves 8,200 students in the city of Port Arthur, facing significant challenges related to poverty, bilingual education needs, and declining enrollment.

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Colleges & Universities

Southeast Texas is home to the Lamar University System with four institutions in Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur, plus nearby Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

Lamar University

University
Beaumont, TX · 16,721 students · Est. 1923

Lamar University is a public research university in Beaumont, the flagship institution of the Lamar University System.

Business AdministrationEngineeringEducationNursing+5 more
Degrees: Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral

Lamar Institute of Technology

Technical College
Beaumont, TX · 5,035 students · Est. 1995

Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) is a two-year technical college in Beaumont offering workforce and technical programs.

Process TechnologyWelding TechnologyIndustrial MaintenanceMedical Laboratory Technology+3 more
Degrees: Certificate, Associate of Applied Science

Lamar State College-Orange

Community College
Orange, TX · 3,022 students · Est. 1969

Lamar State College-Orange is a two-year public college in Orange serving western Orange County and eastern Jefferson County.

Business AdministrationComputer Information SystemsCriminal JusticeHealthcare Management+3 more
Degrees: Certificate, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science

Lamar State College-Port Arthur

Community College
Port Arthur, TX · 2,988 students · Est. 1909

Lamar State College-Port Arthur is the oldest institution in the Lamar University System, serving the Port Arthur community with academic and technical programs.

Process TechnologyWeldingMaritime TransportationBusiness Administration+3 more
Degrees: Certificate, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science

Stephen F. Austin State University

University
Nacogdoches, TX · 10,888 students · Est. 1923

Stephen F.

ForestryEducationBusinessNursing+4 more
Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral

Schools & Education FAQ

What is the best school district in Southeast Texas?

Nederland ISD earns the highest TEA rating (A) among major Southeast Texas school districts. Hardin-Jefferson ISD earns an A- rating. Bridge City ISD, Port Neches-Groves ISD, Orangefield ISD, and Hamshire-Fannett ISD all earn B+ ratings. For families prioritizing school quality, Nederland, Bridge City, and the PNG communities offer the strongest options.

What colleges and universities are in Southeast Texas?

Southeast Texas has four Lamar University System institutions: Lamar University (Beaumont, 16,721 students), Lamar Institute of Technology (Beaumont, 5,035 students), Lamar State College-Orange (3,022 students), and Lamar State College-Port Arthur (2,988 students). Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches is also popular with SETX students.

What is the TEA Academic Rating system for Texas schools?

The Texas Education Agency rates school districts and campuses annually using an A-F system. Grades are based on three domains: Student Achievement (STAAR scores, graduation rates), School Progress (year-over-year growth, performance vs. similar schools), and Closing the Gaps (performance of student groups). Most SETX districts earn B or above.

What workforce training is available in Southeast Texas?

Southeast Texas has strong workforce training aligned to the petrochemical industry. Lamar Institute of Technology offers Process Technology — the primary credential for refinery operators ($75K-$120K/year). NCCER certifications (pipefitting, welding, instrumentation) are available at LIT and Lamar State College campuses. TWIC cards are required for all Gulf facility workers.

Is Lamar University a good school?

Lamar University is a SACSCOC-accredited public research university with 16,721 students. The College of Engineering is particularly strong, feeding directly into the petrochemical industry. LU offers online and hybrid programs popular with working professionals. Tuition is significantly lower than flagship Texas universities, making it excellent value for Southeast Texas residents.

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