McAllen ISD’s Achieve Early College High is ranked seventh in the state of Texas in rankings released this month by Children at Risk – an advocacy organization for children’s education in Texas.
Achieve, which is also a two-time national Blue Ribbon school, was the second-highest ranked high school in the Rio Grande Valley. This is the second straight year Achieve has been ranked seventh statewide by Children at Risk.
“Achieve Early College High School thrives thanks to our dynamic campus culture and the devoted staff who uphold a standard of high expectations,” Achieve ECHS Principal Miguel Carmona said. “Here, everyone—staff, students, and parents alike—understands and embraces the shared goal of excelling in academic success. Our teachers go beyond conventional instruction, fostering a genuine understanding of the material, therefore preparing more college ready students.”
In addition, McAllen ISD’s Gonzalez Elementary was the highest ranked elementary campus in Hidalgo County. The results are based on the 2022-23 school year.
For the past 19 years, Children at Risk has ranked and graded Texas public schools to help parents, educators and community members better understand how their local schools are performing. By providing this information to parents and educators, Children at Risk hopes to encourage greater accountability and transparency in the education system. These grades are intended to be a starting point for discussions on improving schools and providing better educational opportunities for all students.
The 2022-23 school year analysis covers public schools in the Valley including 284 elementary schools, 120 middle schools and 77 high schools. The grading system used to rank Texas public schools is based on several factors.
For elementary and middle schools, grades are based on:
- Student achievement
- Student growth
- Relative performance (test scores relative to schools with similar levels of poverty).
High schools are graded on those same three domains plus an additional metric of college readiness that takes into account graduation rates, Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate plus SAT/ACT scores and participation.
Achieve Early College High has earned many accolades since it first opened in 2008. The school earned national Blue Ribbon Awards in 2015 and 2021. Achieve was also named to the State Honor Roll for the fifth consecutive year in spring 2021. Through its relationship with South Texas College, Early College High School students can earn an Associates Degree before they graduate high school. Since its first graduating class in 2012, more than 800 Achieve students have earned their Associates Degree through STC. This saves their families time and money.
About McAllen ISD
McAllen ISD is a three-time winner of the state’s highest rating, an “A,” and a four-time winner of the state’s Post-Secondary Readiness Distinction. In 2022, McAllen ISD was named the Best Large District in Texas through the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards. The district is home to 30 campuses and approximately 20,500 students. To learn more about McAllen ISD’s schools and programs, contact Student Outreach at 956-687-MISD (6473).