In 2010, Lee had improved its state mandated TAKS test scores significantly, yet was named academically "unacceptable" by the TEA, due to its 30% dropout rate. As a result of 3+ years of this designation, it became one of the HISD "Apollo 20" laboratory schools. It was subject to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) "turnaround" model for reforming schools in jeopardy of closing, including replacing the administration and much of the existing faculty. As of 2010 the think tank "Children at Risk" ranked Lee as one of the most improved high schools in Greater Houston. As of 2015 the STAAR exam failure rate at Lee was about 70%.