Texas Children's Named a Best Children's Hospital and is Number One in Texas Again for 18th Consecutive Year

Heart Center ranked Number One in the nation for 10th consecutive year; Diabetes & Endocrinology also earned country's top ranking

HOUSTON, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Children's has again been named to the U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals Honor Roll. The hospital remains No. 1 in Texas for the 18th consecutive year and No. 1 in the Southwest for the sixth consecutive year, with every evaluated specialty recognized nationally.

Texas Children's Heart Center ranks No. 1 in Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery for the 10th consecutive year, extending a decade of national leadership. Texas Children's also earned the No. 1 ranking in Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology. 

"For families facing the most complex or common diagnoses, these rankings represent something deeply personal: confidence that their child can receive extraordinary care from teams who are committed to clinical excellence and solving the unsolvable," said Dr. Debra Sukin, President and CEO of Texas Children's. "Earning the nation's No. 1 ranking in heart care for a full decade, reaching No. 1 in diabetes and endocrinology and once again leading Texas and the Southwest reflects the skill, compassion and relentless commitment of our physicians, nurses, researchers and staff. I am incredibly proud of what this team accomplishes together for children and families here at home and around the world."

Nine specialties ranked among the nation's top five, including five in the top two. Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health also received a Top 50 designation.

All specialties are ranked nationally

With the partnership of academic affiliate Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's - the largest freestanding children's hospital in the country - is a distinguished leader and resource for children and their families. The hospital earns U.S. News Honor Roll distinction by ranking:

• No. 1: Cardiology & Heart Surgery
• No. 1: Diabetes & Endocrinology
• No. 2: Nephrology (Kidney disorders)
• No. 2: Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
• No. 2: Urology
• No. 3: Neurology & Neurosurgery
• No. 5: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
• No. 5: Neonatology
• No. 5: Orthopedics
• No. 12: Cancer
• Top 50: Behavioral Health

"As clinicians, we see every day what it means for a family to have highly specialized teams working together around their child," said Dr. Larry Hollier, President of Health Affairs at Texas Children's and Vice Chair of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. "Having every evaluated specialty recognized nationally reflects the depth of clinical expertise, research and innovation across Texas Children's. It also speaks to the collaboration among our physicians, nurses, and the many other clinical professionals who bring their expertise to patients with the most complex needs. This recognition is a testament to their shared commitment to advancing medicine and leading the way in caring for women, children and families." 

Global leader in pediatric heart care: Texas Children's Heart Center remains best in the nation

For more than 60 years, Texas Children's Heart Center® has combined advanced technology with compassionate, family-centered care. Its multidisciplinary teams perform more than 1,000 surgeries and 1,600 cardiac catheterization procedures annually, caring for patients with some of the rarest and most complex heart conditions. The program's 10th consecutive No. 1 ranking reflects sustained excellence from diagnosis through treatment and lifelong follow-up.

National leader in pediatric diabetes and endocrinology

Texas Children's Diabetes & Endocrinology program provides multidisciplinary care for children with diabetes and a wide range of complex endocrine disorders. Across its clinic locations, the program uses standardized, evidence-based care, a same-day sick clinic, advanced technologies such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, and real-time clinical alerts to expand access, improve outcomes and help ensure patients receive recommended services and screenings.

U.S. News & World Report ranking methodology

U.S. News & World Report introduced the Best Children's Hospitals rankings to help families of children with rare or life-threatening illnesses find the best medical care available. The rankings consider clinical outcomes and resources, patient safety, infection prevention, nurse staffing and other measures, along with input from pediatric specialists.

About Texas Children's

Texas Children's, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The system includes the Texas Children's Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital North Austin, the state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin families. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO focused on children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.

Media Contact:
Texas Children's Public Affairs
[email protected]

SOURCE Texas Children's Hospital