Alvin ISD
Alvin ISD serves the Alvin-Manvel-Rosharon-Pearland areas. Spanning more than 252 square miles across Brazoria County, Alvin ISD caters to some of the fastest growing communities in the Houston metropolitan area. The district is home to 29 campuses and a Career and Technical Center with more expected for Alvin ISD’s future.
Shadow Creek High School, Alvin ISD’s third high school, opened in 2016 and will house up to 2,500 students. Shirley Dill Brothers and Pomona Elementary Schools opened in 2017.
Alvin ISD is the employer of choice for more than 3,000 educators and staff who are committed to helping every student achieve their maximum potential. The district currently serves more than 22,000 students, with a projected growth rate of 1,000 or more students every school year.
Teaching Outreach – There are various programs in Alvin ISD that aim to further the education of students, even outside class. For the first time in the district’s history, the Alvin ISD Book Bus; now, the “library on wheels” will be able to serve hundreds of Alvin ISD students.
The number of Advanced Placement Scholars increases annually, while the district boasts a growing number of students who distinguish themselves in various academic, fine arts and athletic competitions. This year, there were two National Scholars as well as six National Hispanic Scholars.
Academic Challenges – Alvin ISD high school seniors average $5 million in academic, fine arts, and athletic scholarships every year. SeaPerch, Project Lead the Way, STEM Academy and MAP (Magnet Academic Program) are just a few of the programs that provide opportunities to broaden knowledge, skills, and experiences to Gifted and Talented and highly motivated students. In addition, special education programs are also provided for students with disabilities through special instruction, modifications, and services.
Alvin ISD high school students can earn college credit by taking advantage of more than 75 Dual Credit courses offered through a unique partnership with Alvin Community College.
Along with Dual Credit courses, students can earn both a high school diploma and an Associate Degree from Alvin Community College.
Alvin ISD Board of Trustees has made Career & Technical Education (CTE) a priority through the expansion of the CTE program, which allows students to earn certifications in pathways such as welding, veterinary sciences, cosmetology, and as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Phase 1 of the new CTE center is complete, housing autotech education. Phase 2 of the center began construction in March of this year. For additional information about Alvin ISD visit www.alvinisd.net.
Angleton ISD
Angleton Independent School District strives to provide a high-quality education and today serves approximately 6,800 students in a 396-square mile district.
Because the district recognizes the value of producing highly skilled graduates, AISD has designed multiple pathways for college and career readiness. AISD is in its ninth year of the Dual Language Program, an educational model in which native English speakers and native speakers of another language receive instruction in both languages to promote bilingual literacy in an ever-growing global market.
Career & Technology Programs – Additionally, Angleton High School offers several career and technology programs, such as welding, criminal justice and culinary arts. Students can participate in award-winning fine arts programs, championship athletic programs, and a wide array of academic courses including Advanced Placement and Dual/Concurrent College classes. The most accelerated level of AISD’s advanced academics program (Pre-AP/AP) is its X-elerate program for 5th or 6th grade students.
STEAM & STEM Education – Wanting to give students more opportunities to become involved in STEAM fields, the district has made a huge push to incorporate multiple STEAM related programs in the classroom and as extracurricular activities, promoting innovation and academic success.
AISD Wildcat STEM Academy is an initiative based on the high school’s T-STEM designation from the state. Students in the academy can apply to be part of a cohort of students who are grouped together to focus on STEM related careers. As one of only 70 T-STEM Academies in Texas, AISD started its academy last year at the high school with a STEM pathway focused on Robotics and Engineering Design. This year the academy is adding a STEM pathway in Health Science and Computer Programming. The Wildcat STEM Academy has been expanded to include the Angleton Junior High School.
Additionally, the district participates in FIRST—For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology—that helps inspire young people’s interest and participation in science, as well as the You Be the Chemist Challenge. Last year an Angleton Junior High eighth grader took first in the state competition.
In 2017 Northside Elementary became the Northside STEAM Academy, a specialized elementary school that focuses on science and technology as they are interpreted through engineering and the arts while based in mathematical elements. The Northside STEAM Academy will maintain the benefits of being a neighborhood school.
Brazosport ISD
Brazosport Independent School District encompasses over 200 square miles of agriculture, ranching, industry, technology, service and small business, all thriving on a horizon that spans from beachfront to urban convenience to rich farmland.
The district serves eight communities – Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake Jackson, Oyster Creek, Richwood, Quintana and Surfside Beach – meeting the needs of nearly 12,500 students on 19 campuses, setting the standard for educational excellence with the mission to graduate each student to be future ready.
Brazosport ISD provides a rigorous and relevant learning experience for each child in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning. Through fiscal responsibility, BISD ensures financial strength and provides the resources to equip and maintain quality facilities and educational programming. To support its mission, BISD students from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade receive a quality education through superior services and diverse programs.
Two Schools of Choice
B*Success Academy – a 9-12 grade campus that offers students who are on track for graduation, an alternative to a traditional high school model through both face to face and online instruction.
Stephen F. Austin Elementary, in its third year as a School of Choice, is a dedicated elementary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) campus for grades K-6.
Challenging and Rigorous Coursework – BISD offers challenging and rigorous coursework in all 19 schools with the three high schools offering Advanced Placement (AP) classes and extensive Dual Credit college courses in a partnership with Brazosport College. Along with these possibilities, BISD also offers extensive services for gifted students under the ‘SEARCH’ (Seeking Excellence through Ability, Responsibility, Creativity & Honor Program) program, for students in grades K-8.
Diverse Programs – Local industry partners actively support elementary through high school robotic programs along with NASA supported rocket engineering opportunities.
BISD offers robust Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs in the areas of construction, health, finance, industry, welding, culinary, floral design, with more being added this year. In partnership with Brazosport College, the district will now offer an additional 12 dual credit courses in Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
Starting the Fall of 2018, students who meet entrance requirements at both Brazosport High School and Brazoswood High School, will be able to enroll in more CTE based pathways. Unique Opportunities – All BISD students have classroom access to chromebooks with those in grades 6-12 receiving a district purchased Chromebook to provide students 24/7 access to their assignments, homework, online textbooks, tutorials, and other educational resources. These digital devices enable the teachers to differentiate their lessons both in terms of how they teach and how the students are expected to demonstrate their learning.
All BISD campuses offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to meet the varying needs of all students. From elementary campus clubs to secondary UIL opportunities that include nationally recognized and award-winning fine arts programs along with exceptional athletic programs in grades 7 – 12, there is a place for every student to belong.
Brazosport ISD is made up of kind, caring and compassionate employees and community members who work together to ensure that students have a wide range of high-quality programs to engage every learning style and assist in tapping into their unique gifts. To find out more about BISD go to www.brazosportisd.net.
Friendswood ISD
The Friendswood Independent School District was established in 1948 and covers 15 square miles. Fully accredited by the Texas Education Agency, the district’s curriculum emphasizes academic skills, higher academic thinking and cooperative learning strategies.
The FISD School Board was named 2016 Outstanding School Board of the Year in the region and is currently being considered for the top honors at state level.
FISD has six campuses: one k-5 campus, one k-3, two 3-5 intermediate campus, one 6-8 grade junior high and one 9-12 high school.
UIL participation is high with state winners advancing to the playoffs where many teams reach the top. The District was awarded the 2014, 2010 and 2009 Lone Star Cup, which honors a district for top academic and athletic records, and has continued to be in the top three other years.
Friendswood High School was named in the Nation’s Top 1500 high schools by Newsweek Magazine. US News and World Report placed the school in the top 30 comprehensive high schools in Texas. Consequently, the many awards its clubs, organizations, sports, and programs receive make FHS a top contender in the State and Nation. In the Academic Decathlon program FHS has won more state championships than any other high school in the nation.
The FHS Band and Choir as well as the Friendswood Junior High Band and Choir have won prestigious competitions at all levels. The Drama Department has won more UIL competitions than any other high school group in the State over the past 10 years. In 1987, members of the FISD School Board implemented a Character Ed program. Since then the Westwood Elementary was named the first State School of Character and a National School of Character.
Pearland ISD
Located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing suburbs, Pearland Independent School District provides a world-class education to 22,000 students.
Pearland ISD has 23 campuses: 11 elementary schools (including an International Baccalaureate World School), four middle schools, four junior high schools, two traditional high schools, a college and career high school and an alternative campus.
The district also offers a Gifted and Talented Academy (grades 5-8) and Dual Language Pilot Program at four elementary campuses.
District Excellence- While achieving top state accountability ratings, Pearland ISD consistently rises to the top of state and regional lists for academic excellence, student support and more.
In 2017, Niche.com ranked Pearland ISD the No. 3 district in the Houston metro area and No. 18 in Texas based on testing data and student and parent surveys.
For high academic achievement combined with cost-effective operations, the district also earned TXSmartSchools’ highest rating, five stars given to only 46 districts/ charter schools statewide this year. In addition, Pearland ISD continues to be one of the largest Houston-area districts with all schools graded “B” or above in Children at Risk’s 2017 school rankings. Eighteen of 20 district campuses included in Children at Risk’s annual rankings received an “A” grade.
Student Achievement- Individually, Pearland ISD students stand out among their peers. District high school students consistently score above state and global averages in SAT/ ACT scores and earned 568 Advanced Placement Scholar Awards in 2016.
In fine arts and athletics, students frequently bring home the gold, whether awarded gold medals for rodeo art or advancing to the UIL state finals.
Pearland ISD students also graduate college and career ready, thanks to a variety of CTE and dual credit programs for workforce learning and associate degree opportunities.
World-Class Care- In fall 2015, the district established RISE Mentoring to connect students with caring, committed adults community-wide. Mentors and mentee meet on campus 30 minutes a week, developing a relationship that helps students rise above challenges to succeed in school and life.
Through diverse education options and supportive teachers and community, Pearland ISD students are equipped to become leaders with grit who impact their world. For more information, visit pearlandisd.org.
