When your child reaches high school, everything starts to feel harder, choices matter more, and questions about college or careers start to feel real. It’s an exciting season of life, but also one full of unknowns, whether that’s college, a career, or something in between.
For families living in COLTON and nearby Magnolia neighborhoods, that journey continues at Magnolia West High School – a well-established, highly respected campus where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to become confident young adults.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect at Magnolia West: school programs, classes, activities, and why so many families in COLTON are proud to be part of it.
Academic Excellence at Magnolia West High School
Magnolia West High School has a strong reputation for helping students succeed in school and beyond. In 2023, 97% of seniors graduated on time, which is higher than the state average, and the dropout rate was just 1.2%. The school has also been recognized by the state of Texas for outstanding performance in science, social studies, and post-high school readiness.
Students do well on college entrance exams, with the Class of 2023 earning an average SAT score of 1056 and an ACT score of 23.7. After graduation, 70% of students went on to college, while 13% entered trade or technical schools, 5% joined the military, and 12% went straight into the workforce. These numbers show that students graduate Magnolia West with many paths open to them.
Magnolia West is also one of the only schools in the area that offers 18 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, giving students the opportunity to earn college credit. In 2023, students took 655 AP exams, and 61 earned AP Scholar awards. Since the IB program began, 113 students have received diplomas, and over 1,000 exams have earned passing scores.
Students at Magnolia West also do well in academic competitions. In 2023, the school’s Academic Decathlon team placed 5th against 21 other 6A-class schools, won 12 individual medals, and set a school and district record.
In terms of nationwide honors, Magnolia West celebrates its high achievers in programs like the National Merit Scholarship Program. In 2023, three MWHS students were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars, placing them roughly in the top 3% of PSAT/NMSQT scorers nationally. The following year, one of MWHS’s top seniors was honored as a National Merit Semifinalist, an elite distinction alongside other Commended students. Each year, numerous Magnolia West students also earn College Board National Recognition Program awards for achievements by underrepresented groups.
Curriculum and College Readiness at Magnolia West High School
At Magnolia West High School, the classes and programs are built to help students prepare for college, careers, or any path they choose. With advanced courses, college credit options, and strong support from teachers, students get the skills they need to succeed.
Strong Foundation for Every Student
All students follow the Texas Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement. This is a 26-credit plan that includes:
- 4 years of English
- 4 years of math (including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II)
- 4 years of science (like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
- At least 3.5 years of social studies (including U.S. History, Government, and Economics)
- 2 years of the same foreign language
- 1 year of fine arts
- 1 year of physical education
- Health and other elective classes
Career Path Options
Every student chooses one of five endorsement areas, which guide the electives they take:
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)
- Business & Industry (such as agriculture, welding, or marketing)
- Arts & Humanities (fine arts, literature, or social sciences)
- Public Service (health science, JROTC, or education)
- Multidisciplinary Studies (a mix of different subjects)
These options help students try out real-world career areas while still in high school.
College Credit Opportunities
Magnolia West gives students several ways to get ahead in college. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, which are college-level courses taken in high school. Students can earn college credit by passing the final AP or IB exams.
The school also works with Lone Star College – Montgomery to offer dual credit classes. These are real college courses that count for both high school and college credit. Many students graduate from Magnolia West with a semester or more of college already completed. Common dual credit classes include:
- English III and IV
- U.S. History
- Pre-Calculus and Calculus
- College Algebra
Career and Technical Programs
Students who want to learn job skills can join one of the school’s many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These courses teach hands-on skills and often lead to certifications or licenses that students can use right after graduation.
CTE programs at Magnolia West include:
- Agriculture – animal science, welding, mechanics, and horticulture
- Business & Marketing – includes DECA club and entrepreneurship
- Health Science – students can become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) by senior year
- Automotive Technology – students learn how to repair and maintain vehicles
- Welding – includes certification opportunities
- Cosmetology – students complete hours to earn a state cosmetology license
- Culinary Arts and Computer Science
Most of these programs offer labs, real projects, internships, and opportunities to earn industry certifications like OSHA safety cards or Microsoft Office Specialist.
College and Career Support
Magnolia West also provides strong support for planning after high school. A full-time College & Career Counselor is available to help with:
- College applications
- Scholarship searches
- Financial aid (FAFSA/TASFA)
- SAT/ACT test prep
- Résumés and recommendation letters
The school hosts college nights, career fairs, and visits from military and trade school recruiters. Students interested in college sports also get help with NCAA eligibility and connecting with college coaches.
Student Life and Leadership Opportunities at Magnolia West High
No matter a student’s interest, there’s a place for them at Magnolia West High School. These activities help students build leadership, teamwork, and real-world experience. The school’s motto, “We Stand Together, We Strive Together, We Succeed Together,” is seen in the way students come together in clubs, on teams, and on stage.
Athletics and School Spirit
Magnolia West High School has 15 varsity sports teams for boys and girls. Students can play football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, swimming, track and field, and more.
In 2023, the Mustangs baseball team won the UIL 5A State Championship. Cheerleaders and the Magnolia West Fillies (drill/dance team) support athletic events and compete nationally. The Fillies won their third straight national championship at the 2023 Crowd Pleasers Dance Hawaii Nationals.
Fine Arts Programs
Students can join the band, choir, piano, orchestra, theater, and visual arts. The marching and concert bands earn top UIL ratings. Choir and piano students perform in concerts and contests. The theater department puts on plays and musicals, giving students a chance to act or work behind the scenes. In 2023, the art department had 13 students selected for the Houston Rodeo art show, with 3 artworks chosen for auction.
Navy JROTC
Magnolia West shares a strong Navy JROTC program with Magnolia High School. MWHS cadets learn leadership, citizenship, and discipline. The program competes in drill, academic, and fitness events. In recent competitions, the unit placed 1st in Personnel Inspection, 2nd in Color Guard, and 3rd Overall in Drill Performance. Cadets also complete community service and take military science classes.
Clubs and Leadership Groups
There are over 30 clubs and student groups at Magnolia West. These include:
- National Honor Society
- Spanish National Honor Society
- Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society)
- Academic Decathlon team
- UIL academic teams (for speech, math, science, and more)
- Student Council
- Interact Club
- Superintendent’s Student Leadership Program
Come Home to COLTON, Where Learning Lives Nearby
Don’t settle for just any neighborhood. Choose one that puts your child’s future first.
In many neighborhoods, education is an afterthought. But at COLTON, it’s a priority. You won’t find many communities as committed to supporting local schools and student success as this one. From the very beginning, AIRIA Development Company, the developer behind COLTON, made a clear promise: to invest in education and give back to Magnolia ISD.
Magnolia West High School is one of the best in the area, and when you live in COLTON, it’s just minutes away. That means no long drives, no missed events, and no feeling disconnected. You’ll be close enough to stay involved, and your child will feel that support every single day.
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” this is it. Homes in COLTON don’t stay available for long, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Don’t miss your chance to build a future in a place where your child can grow with confidence.
Schedule your visit today, and see how COLTON can give your family the kind of future you’ve always hoped for.