Good Reason Houston
Every child, in every neighborhood, excels in a world-class public school and thrives in the Houston of tomorrow.
An education backbone organization partnering with Houston-area school districts to accelerate progress by increasing the number of children succeeding in high-quality learning environments.
Get Involved →
The Education Challenge in Houston
Houston's public education landscape faces significant barriers to student success:
When Good Reason Houston launched in January 2018, more than 300,000 Houston-area students attended public schools rated C, D, or F by the Texas Education Agency. Far too many students face systemic barriers to quality education, but every child in every neighborhood deserves a great school.
How We Create Change
Good Reason Houston operates as an education backbone organization that stands out by focusing on the critical work necessary to dramatically transform public education opportunities for children.
Our distinctive approach combines two strategies:
🏫 Growing Supply
Partner with districts to transform low-performing schools, replicate proven models, and cultivate new leaders
📢 Building Demand
Mobilize community awareness, advocate for policy changes, and rally Houstonians for change
🤝 Side-by-Side Support
Work embedded with district staff, not from a distance—we walk alongside partners
🎯 Outcome Focused
Emphasize measurable results for students rather than activities or inputs
What makes us different:
- Client-centered approach—we create space to dream about what's best for kids
- District/charter agnostic—focused on quality regardless of school type
- Evidence-based solutions backed by research and data
- High bar for talent with mission-aligned team members who believe in the brilliance of all kids
- Strategic connector bringing partners to high-quality support
Our Key Initiatives
District Partnerships
Partnering with 25 districts serving 700,000 students across 900 schools
Learn More →Houston Loves Teachers
Region-wide campaign to recruit, retain, and celebrate exceptional educators
Get Involved →Parent Action Network
Amplifying parent voices on equity, achievement, and safe environments
Join PAN →Houston Schools That Inspire
Celebrating innovative schools excelling in pre-K, career tech, and SEL
See Winners →Key Programs:
- ACE (Accelerating Campus Excellence): School turnaround model bringing effective educators to struggling schools
- High-Quality Instructional Materials: Supporting districts in adopting research-backed curriculum
- Teacher Systems: Enhancing systems to support, evaluate, and compensate effective teachers
- Leadership Fellowships: Cultivating new leaders to transform schools
- Citywide Coalition: Mobilizing organizations across Houston to advance evidence-based policies
Measurable Impact
From a 2022 independent evaluation by Columbia University's Center for Public Research and Leadership:
- Outcomes-driven: Consistent emphasis on measurable student results rather than activities
- Partnership model: School systems value readiness to work side-by-side with staff
- Quality connector: Stakeholders cite strength in connecting partners to high-quality support
- Trusted advisor: Partners count on us for quality advice and solution-driven answers
- Client-centered: Partners frequently cite our approach of creating space to dream
Partner testimonials demonstrate real impact:
- "Transformational partnership that removes barriers and pushes districts farther, faster"
- "Provides a bird's eye view of effective practices and what the research says"
- "Creates space to dream and think about what's best for the kids we serve"
- "Brings solution-driven answers to help us get where we need to go"
- "Impact across Houston is tangible, really needed, and just in time"
About the Organization
📅 Founded
January 2018 with $8.4M seed funding
📍 Headquarters
Houston, Texas
⚖️ Legal Status
501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 82-0946654)
💰 Total Investment
$22.3M+ lifetime support
Leadership:
- Cary Wright — Chief Executive Officer
- Ashley Cash — Chief Operating Officer
- Ann Stern — Board Chair (President & CEO, Houston Endowment)
Major Funders:
- Kinder Foundation: $4.2M seed (2018) + $10M grant (2019)
- Houston Endowment: $4.2M seed (2018) + $10M grant (2019)
- Each 2019 grant included $3M in matching funds to encourage community investment
Target Districts:
- Houston ISD
- Aldine ISD
- Alief ISD
- Spring ISD
- Spring Branch ISD
- Pasadena ISD
- Public charter schools throughout Houston
