NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
YES PREP BRAYS OAKS
Nationwide, only half of all students from under-resourced communities graduate from high school and only 10% earn a college degree. In a country where a child’s zip code often determines their life trajectory, YES Prep Public Schools proves that different outcomes are possible when students are given access to high-quality educational opportunities.
YES Prep — one of the fastest-growing and highest-performing tuition-free public charter school systems in the U.S. — is educating the next generation of local leaders who will uplift and enrich this Southwest Houston community.
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPALS
Brays Oaks Secondary is a truly special place, defined by its strong sense of community and school pride. With a welcoming, family-like culture, our campus is where students and staff feel connected, celebrated, and supported.
Our passionate teachers are dedicated to providing a college-ready education and believe in continuous learning—many are pursuing advanced degrees and serve in district leadership roles. Our vibrant extracurriculars offer students unique ways to get involved, advocate for themselves, and build friendships for life.
Families are integral to our journey, and we keep students at the heart of every decision, offering tailored support and celebrating their achievements every step of the way.
I am so excited to welcome students to our new Brays Oaks Elementary. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible education that nurtures academic, emotional, and social growth. Families and local leaders share our vision of a school that values both excellence and compassion.
We aim to be a true community hub, fostering partnerships with local businesses and organizations, hosting inclusive events, and engaging families in their children’s education. By building a space where staff, students, families, and the community feel connected, we hope to make a lasting impact on Brays Oaks and inspire future leaders who will give back to the community.
“ YES Prep is one of a kind in the ways they reach every family in the communities they serve. From the day the campuses break ground to graduation, the impact on our students and families is phenomenal! I am grateful that this system is spreading throughout District 4! ”
Staci Childs
Texas State Board of Education Member, District 4
Selina Hall-Swope Secondary Principal
Ashley Smith Elementary Principal
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
YES PREP BRAYS OAKS
BRAYS OAKS SECONDARY AT A GLANCE
TOP 2%
u.s. on jay mathews challenge index
TOP 10%
u.s. news & world report ranked
90% HISPANIC OR LATINO
95% ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH
83% ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
89% FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
87 2022 TEA RATING
1.3% DROPOUT RATE
953 AVERAGE SAT SCORE
92% GRADUATION RATE
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
YES PREP BRAYS OAKS
NEIGHBORHOOD AT A GLANCE
In the Brays Oaks community, residents face economic challenges, lower educational attainment, and limited access to broadband services.
76% BLACK & HISPANIC
56% EARN LESS THAN $75,000 ANNUALLY
22% WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 9%
26% HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 38%
65% SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 23%
57% LACK BROADBAND ACCESS
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 7%
<50% DOES NOT HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE
0% PRE-K ENROLLMENT
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 47%
79% HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 87%
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE
Compared to Brays Oaks Secondary, nearby schools show significant differences. Schools in nearby districts generally underperform, with graduation rates up to 9% lower, dropout rates five times higher, and SAT scores over 100 points lower. College-readiness rates also lag behind Brays Oaks. Charter schools show mixed results, ranging from 100% graduation rates and strong college-readiness to low graduation rates (5.4%), high dropout rates, and minimal college-ready students.
Overall, Brays Oaks outperforms both district and charter schools in graduation rates, SAT scores, and college-readiness.
NEIGHBORING SCHOOLS
HOUSTON ISD
Valley West Elementary Accountability rating: B
Bell Elementary Accountability rating: B
Bonham Elementary Accountability rating: B
Welch Middle Accountability rating: C
Fondren Middle Accountability rating: C
Energized for STEM Academy Middle Accountability rating: B
Sharpstown High School
Accountability rating: C
• Graduation rate: 83.2%
• Dropout Rate: 7.2%
• Avg SAT Score: 843
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 4.1%
Energized for STEM Academy Accountability rating: A
• Graduation rate: 98.1%
• Dropout Rate: 2%
• Avg SAT Score: 888
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 17.4%
FORT BEND ISD
Jones Elementary
Accountability rating: B
Thurgood Marshall High School
Accountability rating: NR
• Graduation rate: 94%
• Dropout Rate: 2.9%
• Avg SAT Score: 844
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 9.2%
CHARTER NETWORK
Southwest Schools (PK-5)
Accountability rating: B
Harmony School of Excellence (K-8)
Accountability rating: A
Harmony Science Academy-Houston
Accountability rating: A
• Graduation rate: 100%
• Dropout Rate: 0.3%
• Avg SAT Score: 1018
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 87.2%
KIPP Houston High School
Accountability rating: B
• Graduation rate: N/A
• Dropout Rate: 0.6%
• Avg SAT Score: 985
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 41.7%
Texans Can Academy Southwest (9-12)
Accountability rating: B
• Graduation rate: 5.4%
• Dropout Rate: 36.3%
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 0%
WHY HERE?
For more than 25 years, YES Prep has focused on serving historically underserved neighborhoods.
In 2009, we opened Brays Oaks Secondary, recognizing the tremendous need for free, high-quality, college-ready educational options in this area.
Fifteen years later, we’re responding to increasing demand for the same rigor at the elementary level, in an area where pre-K enrollment was at 0% and elementary reading and math test scores were below the national average. With the opening of Brays Oaks Elementary in 2025, we are excited to bring our vision for this school to life and strengthen our impact within the community.
ACADEMIC OUTCOMES
In 2024, Brays Oaks Secondary achieved an impressive 80% Approaches+ rate on STAAR exams across all courses, with standout results in US History (80% Meets+), English I (72% Meets+), and eighth grade Reading (72% Meets+), demonstrating strong academic performance across key subjects.
2% STAAR “MASTERS”
STAAR “DID NOT MEET”
ACADEMIC BENEFITS OF EARLY ENROLLMENT AT YES PREP
For 20 years, YES Prep served students only in grades 6-12. Historically, incoming sixth graders entered Brays Oaks Secondary with reading and math skills far behind grade level. State officials report only 1 in 3 third-graders in Texas can read and do math on grade level, which leaves many to struggle throughout their school experience.
The longer a student is with YES Prep, the greater the impact—evidenced by the high percentage of seniors who are college-ready. YES Prep students are better equipped to access the jobs of today and tomorrow, making a positive impact in Houston.
PERCENT OF STUDENTS COLLEGE-READY BY YEARS AT YES
By introducing students to YES Prep’s rigorous curriculum and personalized attention as early as pre-K, communities are seeing a significant increase in the number of students achieving grade-level proficiency by fifth grade. YES Prep third graders consistently outperform incoming sixth graders from non-YES Prep schools exceeding state and regional averages on every exam.
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
YES PREP BRAYS OAKS
HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF
YES Prep is creating 173 jobs in the community
93 CURRENT EMPLOYEES
5 AVERAGE YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE
BRAYS OAKS ALUMNI
85% TEACHER RETENTION RATE
80 PROJECTED ELEMENTARY EMPLOYEES MEALS SERVED
936 GRADUATES
1K+ AVERAGE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
1 KINDER EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD RECIPIENT
10 TEACHER INCENTIVE ALLOTMENT (TIA) RECIPIENTS
78K
BREAKFASTS, LUNCHES & SNACKS SERVED 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
RECENT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
YES Prep’s $22 million YES Prep Brays Oaks Elementary School, opening in August 2025, is designed to serve 700 students and enrich both academic and personal growth.
The state-of-the-art campus will include specialized spaces like a science lab, art and music rooms, special education classrooms, and grade-specific playgrounds.
Safety and innovation are prioritized with enhanced security measures and technology-equipped classrooms, ensuring a secure and inspiring environment for students and staff.
BRAYS OAKS STORIES
The Aranda Sisters
Alumni, Classes of 2016, 2019 & 2022
The Aranda sisters—Jessica, Katia, and Joana—are shining examples of the impact YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary can have on students’ lives.
Jessica, a member of the founding class of 2016, earned two associate degrees and is now pursuing a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education at the University of Houston-Downtown.
Katia, a top 6% graduate of the Class of 2019, leveraged her AP coursework and the U.S. Dream Scholarship to graduate early from the University of Houston with a degree in Psychology, Cum Laude. Today, she is an entrepreneur.
Joana, valedictorian of the Class of 2022, is majoring in Biology at the University of Houston.
These sisters embody the determination and opportunities cultivated at Brays Oaks.
Erica
Lapen
AP English Literature and Restorative Practices Teacher
Erica Lapen’s journey to teaching was unconventional, but her passion for learning led her to YES Prep 11 years ago. Balancing motherhood and work while returning to school, she now fosters a classroom culture where students take risks, lead discussions, and collaborate actively.
By integrating Restorative Justice practices, Erica builds empathy, respect, and community among her students. Her student-led approach has delivered outstanding results: 57% of her AP English Literature students earned a 3 or higher on the 2024 exam.
YES Prep Teachers empower students to lead, collaborate, & achieve remarkable
results.
BRAYS OAKS STUDENT LIFE
Brays Oaks Secondary offers a vibrant mix of extracurricular activities, from academic clubs like the Gay Straight Alliance and Chess Club, to cultural groups like the K-Pop/Anime Club and Ink Society. In athletics, the school has an impressive track record, with multiple district, regional and city championships across various sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football.
To learn more about events, activities, and the latest news, follow our schools on social media and visit their websites:
Brays Oaks Elementary 9060 Benning Dr. Houston, Texas 77031 braysoakses yesbraysoakses yesprep.org/braysoakses
Brays Oaks Secondary 9000 W. Bellfort Blvd. Houston, Texas 77031 yesprepbraysoaks ypbraysoaks braysoaks.yesprep.org
