NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
YES PREP WHITE OAK
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 North Houston community.
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPALS
I am filled with excitement and pride in YES Prep White Oak Secondary’s growing impact on this vibrant community. Our school is dedicated to fostering an environment where every student is empowered to achieve their fullest potential inside and outside our classroom walls.
I believe the winning formula is being completely student-centered while allowing staff to lead autonomously in pursuit of positive student outcomes. We strive to create a safe and nurturing space that not only focuses on rigorous academics but also emphasizes social and emotional well-being.
We vow to continue building strong relationships with families and local organizations to ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. By investing in our students and educators, we are investing in the future of this community.
We are excited to introduce YES Prep White Oak Elementary to the community in August 2025. Our goal is to provide a quality, well-rounded education for our students, but White Oak Elementary is more than just a school; it aims to be a space where families and the community can connect and collaborate.
The foundational work done in primary schools is essential for ensuring equal access to college and beyond. My purpose is to create an environment where every student feels represented and supported.
We are dedicated to nurturing lifelong learners and establishing a true pre-K-to-college pipeline in partnership with White Oak Secondary, fostering community involvement as students progress through their educational journey.
“
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
Greg Little Secondary Principal
Matthew McMahan Elementary Principal
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT YES PREP WHITE OAK
WHITE OAK SECONDARY AT A GLANCE
TOP 2%
u.s. on jay mathews challenge index
TOP 10%
u.s. news & world report ranked
88% HISPANIC OR LATINO
95% ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH
62% ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
85% FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
86 2022 TEA RATING
3.4% DROPOUT RATE
980 AVERAGE SAT SCORE
92% GRADUATION RATE
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
YES PREP WHITE OAK
NEIGHBORHOOD AT A GLANCE
The community surrounding YES Prep White Oak experiences a notable economic divide, with nearly equal portions of households earning under $50,000 and over $100,000. This disparity, coupled with challenges like limited access to education and resources, underscores the need for schools to bridge gaps and provide equal opportunities for all students.
71% BLACK & HISPANIC
35%
EARN LESS THAN $50,000 ANNUALLY
22% WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 9%
25% HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 38%
42% SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 23%
44% LACK BROADBAND ACCESS
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 7%
<50% DOES NOT HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE
20% PRE-K ENROLLMENT
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 47%
86% HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE
NATIONAL AVERAGE IS 87%
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT REPORT
EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE
YES Prep White Oak Secondary delivers strong academic outcomes compared to nearby district schools. White Oak’s graduation rate is higher, dropout rates are significantly lower, and college-readiness rates far exceed those of many local schools. While the average SAT score at White Oak is comparable to some of the strongest-performing district schools, it is 14% higher than others in the area. These results highlight White Oak’s commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond.
NEIGHBORING SCHOOLS
ALDINE ISD
J. Ruth Smith Elementary Accountability rating: B
Eisenhower High Accountability rating: NR
• Graduation rate: 87.7%
• Dropout Rate: 4.8%
• Avg SAT Score: 860
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 21.5%
Victory Early College High Accountability rating: A
• Graduation rate: 98.9%
• Dropout Rate: 0%
• Avg SAT Score: 1021
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 75.3%
HOUSTON ISD
Katherine Smith Elementary Accountability rating: B
Durham Elementary Accountability rating: A
Wainwright Elementary Accountability rating: C
Clifton Middle Accountability rating: C
Scarborough High Accountability rating: C
• Graduation rate: 88.5%
• Dropout Rate: 1.5%
• Avg SAT Score: 860
• College-Ready Grads (reading + math): 9%
CHARTER NETWORK
KIPP Nexus Primary School
Accountability rating: NR
Harmony Endeavor (K-8)
Accountability rating: C
Brazos School for Inquiry and Creativity-Tidwell (PK-6)
Accountability rating: C
Southwest Schools Mangum El Campus (K-5)
Accountability rating: B
KIPP Nexus Middle Accountability rating: B
WHY HERE?
For more than 25 years, YES Prep has focused on serving historically underserved neighborhoods. In 2013, we opened White Oak Secondary, recognizing the tremendous need for free, high-quality, college-ready educational options in this area.
A decade later, we’re responding to increasing demand for the same rigor at the elementary level, in an area where pre-K enrollment was at 20% and elementary reading and math test scores were below the national average.
With the opening of White Oak 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, 68% of students at YES Prep White Oak Secondary met or exceeded expectations on the STAAR exams across all subjects, with 78% achieving Meets or higher on the US History STAAR. Additionally, the percentage of students reaching the Meets level on the STAAR increased by 2% compared to 2023.
2% STAAR “MEETS”
Advanced Placement (AP) exam results showed standout performances in AP Spanish Language and Culture (83%), AP Spanish Literature and Culture (57%), and AP Studio Art 2-D Design (54%).
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 YES Prep secondary schools 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 WHITE OAK
HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF
YES Prep is creating 162 jobs in the community
82 CURRENT EMPLOYEES
80 PROJECTED ELEMENTARY EMPLOYEES
70% TEACHER RETENTION RATE
1 KINDER EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD RECIPIENT
5 AVERAGE YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE
WHITE OAK ALUMNI
432 GRADUATES
550 AVERAGE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
4 TEACHER INCENTIVE ALLOTMENT (TIA) RECIPIENTS
MEALS SERVED
72K
BREAKFASTS, LUNCHES & SNACKS SERVED 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
RECENT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
YES Prep’s $20 million YES Prep White Oak Elementary School opening in August 2025, is designed to serve 1,000 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.
At White Oak Secondary, the gym has been equipped with Hudl Focus cameras to capture game footage for live streaming events, video analysis, highlight reels and recording athlete stats. Two Hudl Focus Flex cameras will also enable program to capture outdoor sports.
WHITE OAK STORIES
Curtayviyon Hagin
Alumnus & 9th Grade English
Language Arts Teacher
Curtayviyon Hagin, a YES Prep White Oak graduate from the Class of 2020, is a first-generation college student who attended Prairie View A&M University. While in college, he mentored fellow students, led workshops, and served as a city director, showcasing his commitment to growth and leadership.
Now, Curtayviyon has come full circle, returning to YES Prep White Oak as a ninth-grade teacher, using his journey from student to educator to inspire and empower the next generation.
YES Prep shapes students into leaders. Alumni give back by inspiring YES Prep students to achieve their own dreams.
Britney Diaz Student, Class
of 2025
Britney Diaz, an honor student and leader in the Class of 2025, sets a strong example as the oldest of her siblings.
She has been instrumental in the growth of the YES Prep White Oak volleyball team and actively contributes to her community through the Humanitarian Society and National Honor Society.
As YES Prep White Oak’s first Posse finalist, Britney is on track to receive a full-tuition scholarship through the Posse program, a national initiative recognizing students with leadership potential and supporting their success as future leaders.
YES Prep equips students with leadership skills and guides them through the process of making higher education a reality.
Karla Gill
Educator and Volleyball Coach
Karla Gill, a former standout volleyball player at the University of Miami, brings her history of excellence to White Oak Secondary. As Team MVP and an All-American honorable mention, she helped lead her team to the Sweet Sixteen.
As an educator and coach, Karla mentors students to achieve success both in the classroom and on the court, fostering their development into well-rounded individuals prepared to excel in life.
YES Prep’s teachers and athletic programs work together to shape tomorrow’s leaders.
WHITE OAK STUDENT LIFE
White Oak Secondary offers extracurricular activities, from clubs like yearbook to various sports, including cross country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, dance team, and cheerleading.
To learn more about events, activities, and the latest news, follow our schools on social media and visit their websites:
White Oak Elementary
6343 Deihl Rd. Houston, TX 77092
yeswhiteoakes
yesprep.org/whiteoakes
White Oak Secondary
5620 W. Tidwell Rd. Houston, Texas 77091
yesprepwhiteoak
whiteoak.yesprep.org
