Waltrip, which serves grades 9 through 12, is a part of the Houston Independent School District.

[5] Waltrip has become one of the highest performing comprehensive high schools in Houston ISD by being named "Recognized" by the Texas Education Agency[when?

[7][citation needed] Around 2012, each year a total of 400 students transfer from Booker T. Washington High School to Waltrip and Reagan.

[11] Neighborhoods served by Waltrip include Garden Oaks, Timbergrove Manor (Timbergrove Manor Civic Club and Timbergrove Manor Neighborhood Association),[12][13] Shepherd Forest, Shepherd Park Plaza, Lazybrook, Shady Acres, most of Oak Forest, most of Cottage Grove,[14] Candlelight Plaza and a small portion of the Houston Heights.

The Athletics Department at Waltrip consists of the following teams: Margaret Downing of the Houston Press stated in 2012 that the school culture placed importance on American football.

[15] In 2012 it housed the Waltrip High School Child Development Center, a preschool program for low income children.

[citation needed] The Texas Education Agency rankings in 2009-2010 and 2011 were "Recognized" and "Academically Acceptable".