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IDEA Southern Louisiana encompasses three campuses in Baton Rouge and one campus in New Orleans, totaling approximately 3,000 students between our academy and college prep campuses in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Great news! IDEA Southern Louisiana will also be
“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” This cold winter weather may make you want to stay bundled up inside, but there
We look forward to having our scholars return to IDEA Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year! To guarantee your scholar’s spot, you will need to
IDEA Southern Louisiana encompasses three campuses in Baton Rouge and one campus in New Orleans, totaling approximately 3,000 students between our academy and college prep campuses in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Great news! IDEA Southern Louisiana will also be
“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” This cold winter weather may make you want to stay bundled up inside, but there
We look forward to having our scholars return to IDEA Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year! To guarantee your scholar’s spot, you will need to
We hope your child has had an amazing year so far at IDEA Public Schools! With only a few months left in the 2020-21 school
The 4-H participants at IDEA Palmview College Preparatory are seeing the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. Sixth graders at the home of the Aggies
A new year brings opportunity to start fresh! What better way to get started than with a focus on healthy meals and habits for the
When asked why they chose special education as a career, both Dora Rodriguez and Melissa Garcia, special education teachers at IDEA Monterrey Park College Prep, answered passionately about
The holiday season is here! After an unprecedented year that greatly impacted each of us and changed how we live, work, and learn, we hope this season
Winter Break is a time to get in the holiday spirit, relax with loved ones and indulge in some delicious eats! Don’t forget – you
Happy Holidays, Team & Family! IDEA Public Schools will be closed for Winter Break from Monday, December 21 – Friday, January 1. During the break, we encourage all our scholars to continue reading
Ready for fun in the sun in Brownsville, TX? We are so excited to begin registration for Camp RIO’s 2021 Summer Camp! Camp RIO will open its doors
We are so grateful for your interest in IDEA Public Schools! We believe that each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school
Beginning late next week, the IDEA Public Schools Child Nutrition Program (CNP) will be proudly serving FREE meals during the winter break to any child ages 18 and under through the Holiday Meal Bundles Initiative! Each meal bundle will
National Special Education Day is celebrated every year on December 2! This day commemorates the anniversary of our nation’s first federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed by President
Today, the Houston-based research and advocacy nonprofit Children at Risk (Children@Risk) announced its annual list of San Antonio’s Best Schools. IDEA South Flores College Prep and IDEA Carver College Prep ranked
On Tuesday, the Houston-based research and advocacy nonprofit Children at Risk announced its annual list of the Rio Grande Valley’s Best Schools. Nineteen IDEA Public Schools middle and high schools were ranked among the
With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, it’s time to relax, spend time with family, and…continue learning! Did you know that IDEA’s Accelerated Reader
As National Scholarship Month comes to an end, we want to deeply thank all our IDEA employees for their contributions to student success through the Give Me 5 campaign, our year-round all-staff internal giving campaign! Did you know
In celebration of National Scholarship Month, we’re highlighting our students’ achievements in scholarship and creating a conversation around college affordability, scholarship options, and student and family resources. Here are our
IDEA Public Schools humbly honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces in recognition of Veterans Day. Thank you to our veterans for your service, sacrifice and the example
Can you believe it? Our regional lotteries are about to begin! If you are interested in becoming a new IDEA Public Schools family, please review
We’re looking to fill an array of positions at campuses and regional offices in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Southern Louisiana, Tarrant County and Tampa Bay for the 2021-22 school year! With
“Native people are not just a historic people. We are very much present.” – Krystle Peinado, IDEA Mesa Hills teacher Native American woman and Special Education RISE teacher Krystle Peinado’s roots can be traced to Kansas. She
“STEM is all around us. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.” – Shaddaiia Wilson, 6th grade Pre-AP Science Teacher and
Marcos Cadenas is laser-focused on seeing other IDEA alumni succeed. As a 2018 IDEA Mission alumnus and current Alumni Funding Fellow, Marcos encourages other alumni to go as far and work as hard
This month, IDEA Public Schools is proud to celebrate the rich ancestry, culture, traditions, and contributions of American Indian and Indigenous Communities during Native American Heritage Month. This celebration is also an important opportunity to educate our
As National Principals Month comes to a close, we’re checking in with three dynamic female founding principals from IDEA Tampa Bay to chat about their personal journeys into education, their mission and driving force as an
Early voting for the 2020 primary election has begun in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida! Many counties in Texas have already seen record-breaking numbers with early voting turnout and
As both the holidays and cooler weather approach, we want to make sure our Team & Family are taking every precaution to stay healthy. We’re sharing some guidance for keeping yourself, your family and
We want to ensure our Team & Family are safe and healthy not only at school, but also while celebrating this holiday season. Here are some alternative activities
As part of our series for National Principals Month, we are highlighting the stories of campus leaders whose visionary leadership and tireless pursuit of success
Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week serves as an important opportunity to highlight and address the
Gerald Boyd never imagined he would become the Founding Principal of an IDEA campus mere minutes from his childhood home. “My campus is about fifteen
IDEA is excited to celebrate and recognize National School Lunch Week (NSLW) from October 12-16. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves nearly 30 million
Child Health Day is a federal holiday that was first introduced to Congress in 1928 and celebrated for the first time in May 1929. Occurring
IDEA is excited to announce six new campuses opening for the 2021-2022 school year in six Texas regions, including IDEA Mesquite Hills in El Paso,
The application window to apply to IDEA Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year is now open! IDEA is a family of tuition-free public charter
This year, IDEA Public Schools celebrates 20 years of impact on students, families, staff, and communities. Within that time, IDEA’s track record of academic success
For the 14th consecutive year, IDEA is celebrating college matriculation! The Class of 2020 saw 48% percent of students accepted to the country’s best colleges, a 1%
“The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” – Sonia Sotomayor, First Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice in History Lisa Garza, IDEA’s Chief
Hugo Cepeda believes that every student can go as far as they want to go regardless of where they come from, and he’s using his
Did you know that today is National Voter Registration Day? National Voter Registration Day aims to make sure no one who wants to cast a
“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” – Cesar Chavez This month, IDEA Public Schools is proud to celebrate
As the need for telehealth services continues to grow, school districts are seeking additional resources where they can receive safe and dependable healthcare. As a
IDEA Public Schools is excited to announce an online after-school Junior Master Gardener program for all grade levels beginning Wednesday, September 16. As an added bonus, students in grades
Rene Molina, an International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language Arts teacher at IDEA College Preparatory McAllen, has been recognized by the Yale University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a recipient of the 2020 Yale
IDEA is excited to announce that 59 schools across five Texas regions are among the 517 schools nationwide to earn a spot on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s (Healthier
School is back in session and we want to share some of the most frequently asked questions about the 2020-21 school year, including our plans for continued rigorous and joyful instruction, whether
The school year is now underway in most IDEA regions, and we’ve been asking parents what the experience has been like for their families and
Welcome back, Team & Family! We are so excited to kick off a brand–new year of school here in Texas. This year, IDEA’s Texas region will welcome families at 11 new
It’s August 10, 2020, which means it’s Annie Garza’s first day of school. She is excited to begin distance learning with all her classmates. Annie is excited about her first day as a third
All IDEA Public School campuses in the Rio Grande Valley will begin classes 100% virtually on Aug. 10, the charter school district announced Thursday. “Safety
IDEA’s first day of school is just around the corner and we have put together a comprehensive uniform guide as families prepare. IDEA continuously strives
Welcome back, Team & Family! Today, IDEA Southern Louisiana welcomes hundreds of students for their first day of school via virtual learning. Earlier this week,
As we prepare for a strong start to the 2020-2021 school year, our staff trainings are aimed at improving academic excellence, staff experience, parent and student satisfaction, and operational and health
Great news! Despite the challenges presented by distance learning this year, IDEA Public Schools is celebrating the record-breaking achievements of our college preparatory students Congratulations
IDEA Team & Family- We are counting down the days until we see you again. With many news articles circulating about Back to School plans,
IDEA’s first day of school is just around the corner and we are excited to start the new school year with you! Our campuses have been busy
The Child Nutrition Program (CNP) of IDEA Public Schools announced a change to its policy for serving meals to children served under the National School
Juliana Chapa has been a soccer player for as long as she can remember. She says there’s nothing like racing down the field and feeling
As a young boy growing up in Denton, Texas, Cameron Cook never imagined he would dedicate his life and career to education. “My parents were
Along the United States-Mexico border in deep southern Texas, sunny blue skies and palm trees give the Rio Grande Valley a breezy, tropical feel, but
As students return for virtual learning in August, IDEA aims to leverage 1 to 1 computer access to help build a competitive edge for students to be successful in college, career, and a
IDEA Team and Family- As we continue to prepare for a safe and strong start to the school year, we are closely monitoring City and
IDEA Public Schools is celebrating National Summer Learning Week from July 6 – July 11! Summer may look different this year, but the learning never
Election season is here! This month, Texans’ ballots will be packed with runoff elections for important leadership positions throughout various levels of government. We want
The 2020-2021 school year is quickly approaching and parents of students who are attending new IDEA campuses are encouraged to complete the free and reduced-price
IDEA Public Schools applauds the Supreme Court’s decision that the ending of the Delayed Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was unlawful. Since 2012, the
The school year may be over, but the IDEA Team & Family knows that learning never ends. We encourage all IDEA scholars to remain scholastically
An important voter registration deadline in Texas is approaching, and we want to make sure that all IDEA parents, staff members, and students over the
Alexa Pulido, part of the IDEA McAllen Class of 2020, is a proud first generation college student. She has flourished here at IDEA Public Schools.
We’re going to miss our in-person graduation ceremonies at IDEA this year, but that won’t stop us from holding virtual campus graduation events—from Austin, to
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we want to share a story about a mother and daughter working together at IDEA Public Schools. Pamela
Attention new IDEA families! Thank you for committing to attend IDEA Public Schools this fall. We hope your experience so far has been enjoyable and
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at IDEA, and we salute our teachers for their hard work and dedication as they transform the lives of our students.
All 15 eligible IDEA college preparatory schools were ranked among the top one percent of the most challenging high schools in the nation by the Jay Mathews Challenge Index High School Rankings formerly known as America’s Most Challenging High Schools published
Senior health aide Graciela Garcia knows all too well that her job at IDEA Public Schools entails a little of everything. She’s worked with our
For the 12th consecutive year, IDEA college preparatory schools in the Rio Grande Valley were ranked among the best performing high schools in the nation
Hi IDEA Alumni- I have had a lot of jobs in my 20 years at IDEA Public Schools, starting as Assistant Director and one of
Hi Team & Family. I have had a lot of jobs in my 20 years at IDEA Public Schools, starting as Assistant Director and teacher
Note From Al Lopez, IDEA Board Chair Dear IDEA Team & Family, As chair of IDEA’s Board of Directors, I am writing after our meeting
There is no doubt that IDEA’s AR Zones can be magical places capable of transporting us to faraway lands, a refuge to feed our curiosities
During these unprecedented times IDEA Public Schools remains committed to connecting students and families to resources that can help them overcome various challenges. Our Team & Family is
Have you heard the great news? Nine scholars from IDEA’s 2020 graduating class have been named Dell Scholar Finalists. Our scholars are among 500 winners nationwide selected this year to receive the prestigious Dell Scholarship, providing students
By now you’ve probably received a 2020 U.S. Census letter, asking you to fill out a short questionnaire. We urge you to take the time
Our mission is to prepare students for success in college and citizenship. COVID-19 will not change that, nor deter us from achieving our goal of
As the country and the world respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are all feeling a range of emotions – fear, anxiety, stress, and uncertainty.
As school districts across the nation face unprecedented closures in light of the COVID-19, IDEA Public Schools remains committed to continuing to serve our families
In efforts to help support students during school closures, IDEA Public Schools will be offering free curbside meals to all children under the age of
As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members,
As school districts across the nation face unprecedented closures in light of the COVID-19, IDEA Public Schools remains committed to continuing to serve our families
As IDEA scholars are home over the extended break, it is important to keep their math skills as sharp as possible. DreamBox Learning® is a
As our scholars prepare for an extended spring break, it is more important than ever to ensure that your child reads as much as possible.
IDEA Public Schools’ Advocacy Action Team I (AAT) is comprised of parent advocates who use their voices and stories to advocate for high-quality public education for
Spring Break is upon us and our scholars and educators are looking forward to the well-deserved break. With the recent media coverage of the coronavirus, we recognize
More than 2,300 runners registered to participate at the Annual IDEA Public Schools‘ 5K and Healthy Living Expo which this year took place across the
Before joining the Model United Nations, Ivan Garza, a junior at IDEA South Flores College Prep in San Antonio, was extremely shy and a self-described
IDEA Edinburg College Prep Principal Ramiro Gomez Jr. was only in 2nd grade when he realized that one day, he would become a school administrator.
Yahanna Gonzalez has not been deterred by life’s challenges. Born blind, Yahanna has instead worked hard at mastering braille. She even sells braille name plaques to
Amber Montiel has been living her dream working as an engineer for Boeing. Her story begins in a small border town in South Texas. BORN
Few people know that the first African American Lieutenant Governor in the United States was born in Louisiana nearly 200 years ago. That’s one of
Over the last two decades, student enrollment in public charter schools in the U.S. has grown exponentially. Today, charter schools serve an estimated 3.2 million public school students nationwide. And IDEA Public
IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that 100% of the Class of 2020 have been accepted to college. We take pride in this momentous achievement
Sala Sims, Principal in Residence for IDEA Tampa Bay, believes that when you support children on their journey to and through college – you are
The cornerstone of IDEA’s high school program is an ambitious AP for All strategy aimed at ensuring that students are prepared to go to and
IDEA Public Schools is proud to join our nation in honoring Black History Month. The celebratory month also is known as National African American History Month,
IDEA’s Student Lottery is held annually to ensure equal access for all student applicants. Read below for what you should know about this important event. You can also review
This week, IDEA Public Schools will join thousands of schools, districts, and communities in recognition of National School Choice Week (NSCW). NSCW is an initiative created
Each month, IDEA collects and celebrates student writing as a means of recognizing and rewarding exemplary student and campus writing achievement on district-wide assessments or
We are thrilled to announce eight outstanding individuals who will become principals of IDEA schools during the 2020-21 school year. These leaders will serve as
We look forward to having our scholars return to IDEA Public Schools for the 2020-2021 school year! To guarantee your scholar’s spot, you will need to
Hello, IDEA Team & Family! We hope your child has had an amazing year so far at IDEA Public Schools! With only a few months
Happy Holidays! IDEA Public Schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 23 through January 5. During the break, we encourage you to continue reading and engaging in
As our IDEA Team & Family prepares for a two-week winter break, we are reflecting on another tremendous year. Heading into our 20th year, we
Choosing a middle school for your pre-teen can be as anxiety-inducing for you as a parent as you remember the experience for you as a
In every successful person’s life, there is an educator who inevitably helped shape their trajectory. For IDEA Quest College Preparatory principal and incoming Executive Director
Five years ago, IDEA Mission College Preparatory scholars began a journey that would ultimately teach them about sportsmanship, teamwork, and community. IDEA’s RISE program stands for Reaching
The application window to apply to IDEA Oscar Dunn in New Orleans for the 2020-2021 school year is now open! IDEA is a family of tuition-free
With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, it’s time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and…continue learning! Did you know that IDEA’s
As a young soldier serving in the U.S. army, Ken Campbell learned the value of discipline, commitment and putting your team above all else. These
Did you know that according to National Family Partnership, children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to
We’re looking to fill an array of positions at campuses and regional offices in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Southern Louisiana, and Tarrant
More than 25 million children ride the yellow bus every school day, and National School Bus Safety Week serves as a reminder for students, parents, teachers,
October 15-18 is National School Lunch Week (NSLW), and IDEA is joining the celebration with a week of celebratory activities and delicious lunches! This year’s
The IDEA Hotline is now available. The safety and care of our Team & Family is of utmost importance, and the introduction of the IDEA
Looking for the perfect dish to enjoy while spending time with family and friends? Look no further! Here is a delicious and nutritious kid-friendly recipe
Looking for the perfect dish to enjoy while spending time with family and friends? Look no further! Here is a delicious and nutritious kid-friendly recipe
It’s official! IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that, in addition to 100 percent of the Class of 2019 gaining admission to college,
IDEA Quest College Preparatory has been designated an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing National Blue Ribbon School for 2019 by U. S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. IDEA Quest
To get a better understanding of how our IDEA families are feeling and experiencing the Beginning of the School Year at IDEA, we ask that they take our annual Beginning of Year Family survey. While there
Julie Sandoval is the proud mom of three IDEA Montopolis Academy scholars: M’kynzie, Kaedin, and Maesyn. Her oldest child, M’kynzie, is excelling in the third grade, but started her experience with
Middle school students at IDEA Innovation are learning how to solve any problem head-on thanks to one inspiring teacher named Gabbria Parker. Parker, a native
IDEA Public Schools proudly sends our alumni to Ivy League universities every year to receive a stellar college education. This year, one Ivy League is
In a recent Facebook post, Yvette Guzman, Director of College Counseling at IDEA Weslaco Pike College Preparatory, displayed what it truly means to support IDEA Public Schools scholars to and through college. She
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week to recognize the rich culture and contributions of Americans who
The application window to apply to IDEA Public Schools for the 2020-2021 school year is now open! IDEA is a family of tuition-free public charter schools committed
IDEA Public Schools’ new student applications for the 2020-21 school year will open on September 1, 2019! So that our prospective families know what to expect, we have listed answers to
For the first time ever, IDEA Public Schools celebrated its first day of school in Tarrant County, welcoming nearly 1,000 scholars on two campuses—IDEA Achieve and IDEA Rise. Students
For the first time ever, IDEA Public Schools celebrated its first day of school in Tarrant County, welcoming nearly 1,000 scholars on two campuses—IDEA Achieve and IDEA Rise. Students
Today, the Texas Education Agency released its School and District A-F Accountability Ratings, and IDEA Public Schools earned a B (89). Each year, the Texas
IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that based on the recent school finance reform law passed during the 2019 Texas legislative session, all IDEA teachers in
The first week of school is an exciting time for our Team & Family! As we prepare for the best year yet, we wanted to share
August is National Immunization Awareness Month and at IDEA Public Schools, the safety and well-being of every student is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring
To help our IDEA families become more comfortable with the IDEA culture and our frequently used terms, we have created this IDEA Glossary of Terms! In no
It’s that time of year again! Soon, scholars will set foot on an IDEA campus for the first day of the 2019-20 school year! Returning IDEA families, we hope you are excited
IDEA Public Schools will open the doors to it’s first school in New Orleans—IDEA Oscar Dunn—on August 5. This will be the third campus to open in
The 2019-2020 school year is quickly approaching and parents of students who are attending new IDEA campuses are encouraged to complete the free and reduced priced meals (FARM) application
Great news! IDEA Public Schools was recently recognized as a Texas Honor Roll school district. Due to high achievement and student excellence in academics, IDEA
IDEA Public Schools is pleased to announce that 19 of our campuses were ranked and graded an ‘A’ by Children at Risk, a Houston-based nonprofit. Every year,
It is not uncommon for siblings to want what the other one has—whether it be a toy, a game, or a snack. But for Dalia Mendoza, she didn’t want her younger
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to become a doctor. I am not sure where the desire came from, but I
In May 2017, Luisa Ramos had to make a critical decision. Her second daughter, who was born with a kidney defect, was in need several
LaShawnda Moore’s grandmother believed so much in the power of education that she did something remarkable to get her children into a better school district. “My
It is not uncommon for siblings to want what the other one has—whether it be a toy, a game, or a snack. But for Dalia Mendoza, she didn’t want her younger
IDEA Public Schools is pleased to announce that 19 of our campuses were ranked and graded an ‘A’ by Children at Risk, a Houston-based nonprofit. Every year,
Great news! IDEA Public Schools was recently recognized as a Texas Honor Roll school district. Due to high achievement and student excellence in academics, IDEA
The school year may be over, but the IDEA Team & Family knows that learning never ends. We encourage all IDEA scholars to remain scholastically
The 2018-2019 year at IDEA has been a great one, Team & Family! We’ve opened new schools to serve more children, 100 percent of our seniors
Located at the historic Camp Lula Sams in Brownsville, Texas, Camp RIO is a summer program aimed at providing children in Texas with a quality nature and
IDEA college preparatory schools were ranked among the best performing high schools in the nation by the Jay Mathews Challenge Index High School Rankings formerly known as The
As part of IDEA’s commitment to local Texas communities in the Rio Grande Valley, Austin, El Paso, and San Antonio and the Baton Rouge community in Louisiana, the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) will
IDEA college preparatory schools were ranked among the best performing high schools in the nation by the Jay Mathews Challenge Index High School Rankings formerly known as The
In a surprise ceremony in front of students, staff and family, IDEA College Preparatory McAllen Principal Joán Alvarez was honored with the Accelerate Institute’s 2019
LaShawnda Moore is an IDEA parent and first-generation college graduate who truly believes that College is for All. Years ago, while the mother of four was working on
In the last three years, IDEA Public School’s special education program has grown by 65 percent! We are so proud of our expanding Team & Family! Across each of our
Over the last three years, IDEA’s Special Education population has grown by approximately 65 percent. This rapid expansion has created wonderful opportunities to grow our Team & Family
IDEA Public Schools recently announced its expansion to the Permian Basin Area. IDEA will open schools in Midland starting in 2020 and Odessa in 2021. Eventually,
As leaders, mentors, and educators, teachers are at the heart of our schools. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we would like to salute our
For the 11th consecutive year, IDEA college preparatory schools in the Rio Grande Valley were ranked among the best performing high schools in the nation
We are so excited to welcome you to our Team & Family! The first big step in the enrollment process is completing registration. Registration is required to confirm your child’s seat for the
For families at IDEA, no event represents every family’s hopes and dreams more than College Signing Day. From tearful thank you speeches to the roar
As a parent, nothing is more important than a child’s safety. No one wants to think of their child waiting alone to be picked up or getting
STAAR testing kicks off this week for our IDEA scholars in Texas. Take a look at the testing schedule, along with a list of helpful
Meet Gabbria Parker. Gabbria is a Mathematics Pre-AP teacher at IDEA Innovation College Preparatory, one of IDEA’s schools in Baton Rouge. As one of our founding teachers
The lady IDEA Quest Trailblazers are bringing home the District 31-4A record after being name with UIL Girls District Champions in varsity soccer. This is the first district championship
Alexandra joined IDEA as a student, worked her way through college and now teaches at IDEA Montopolis CP. She has since joined IDEA’s Relay Residency program which allows her to teach and earn her
IDEA Public Schools is proudly celebrating World Social Work Day on March 19. This special day promotes the importance of human relationships. It is the key day in the
Have you heard the great news? Fifteen IDEA scholars, all of whom are part of IDEA’s 2019 graduating class, have just been named Dell Scholar
The early path of education for Raj Desai, the founding principal of IDEA Los Encinos College Preparatory, was traveled on with a small, yet sturdy bicycle.
Today, March 3, marks IDEA Public Schools’ 19th birthday! To help us celebrate in a big way, check out our birthday Facebook page to donate to our birthday scholarship
For most parents, Open House Night at their child’s kindergarten classroom in a brand-new school would be an important event. But Lauren Joseph, Kindergarten teacher at IDEA Innovation, went the extra mile to
Jervion’zoe Brown, 3rd grader, and Kiante Walker, 1st grader, are students at IDEA Bridge Academy. They also happen to be cousins and give each other a cheery wave and a greeting when they pass in the school
“Mom, do you know what I learned at school today?” asked Connor Funchess, jumping into his mother’s car after his first day in kindergarten at
IDEA Public Schools will make its New Orleans debut when we open the doors to IDEA Oscar Dunn in August 2019. The K-5 grade school
If your child was selected to attend IDEA for the 2019-20 school year, congratulations! Welcome to our Team & Family! You’ve made a great decision to
Morgan Johnson is a Founding Teacher Fellow from IDEA South Flores Academy. Morgan found himself traveling from California to Texas last year after being accepted
IDEA’s Student Lottery is held annually to ensure equal access for all student applicants. Read below for eight things you should know about this important
“We like to take time to thank our Team & Family for being the heartbeat of IDEA and the real-life connection between our mission and our students,” says
IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that 100% of the Class of 2019 have been accepted to college. We take pride in this momentous achievement
Walking down the hallways of IDEA Walzem, you would know if you saw Cristen Martens, the school’s Assistant Principal of Instruction (API). She would be
Our staff members are our most valuable asset in achieving our mission of College for All Children. IDEA Public Schools has more than 5,600 employees
“I believe that I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams”— Danielle Christina Mullings, IDEA’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The celebration of Black History Month
IDEA Public Schools is proud to join our nation in honoring Black History Month. The celebratory month also known as National African American History Month, is
Houston, Texas is the fourth most populated city in the United States with more than 2.3 million residents, and according to the Education Equality Index
Imagine a place where school children spend their days learning both inside and outside of the classroom; where students can spend time outdoors harvesting bountiful crops of vegetables they
In the fertile borderlands of South Texas, agriculture is booming. The mild climate and bright sunshine offer farmers the chance to grow a wide range of crops
Next month at IDEA, we will hold our annual random lottery to ensure equal access for all student applicants. Our lottery will be held February
How old must a student be to enroll in kindergarten? Per law, a child must be five years old by September 1 in Texas and
Kindergarten is a fundamental year for students at IDEA Public Schools. It is an exciting time when students learn foundational skills like math, reading, and
6th grade is a pivotal year for IDEA students, marking the transition from Academy to College Preparatory. At the College Preparatory level, further responsibility is
On January 21, the San Antonio Current published a revealing article, detailing the recent education survey results from WalletHUB, a financial website. And sadly, the results showed that
IDEA Team & Family, We hope your child has had an amazing year so far at IDEA Public Schools! With only a few months left
We look forward to having our scholars return to IDEA Public Schools for the 2019-20 school year! To guarantee your scholar’s spot, you will need
Dozens of safety procedures are implemented on IDEA campuses each day to protect our students. From securing building access to monthly training drills, our security
This week, IDEA Public Schools will join thousands of schools, districts and communities in recognition of National School Choice Week (NSCW). NSCW is an initiative created to shine a
IDEA Quest College Preparatory has been named as one of 24 Texas schools nominated as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School by the Texas Education Agency
“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and
IDEA Public Schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 21 through January 6. During this time, we recommend fixing up some hot chocolate, snuggling under some covers,
We had another amazing year at IDEA Public Schools. We are so proud of these accomplishments, and we know none of it would be possible
At IDEA Public Schools, we partner with families to ensure their children get the education they deserve to have a successful future. We recently asked
William Pierce has enjoyed eight years teaching at IDEA San Benito College Preparatory and plans to spend many more focused on being the best special education teacher possible. His
How does high school at IDEA prepare students for success in college and in life? Take a look at these nine unique steps that ensure 100%
For 12 consecutive years, 100 percent of IDEA’s graduating seniors have been accepted into college, and an increasing number are accepted into Tier 1 and 2 level
An open dialogue between families and staff is critical to the success of any school. By incorporating the thoughts, perspectives and opinions of our IDEA families, we can enhance our
On your mark…get set…go! On Saturday, December 1 more than 500 runners participated in IDEA Public Schools‘ annual 5K Run/Walk and Healthy Living Expo in Harlingen, Texas. The competitive event
IDEA Public Schools, a high-performing network of public charter schools in Texas and Louisiana, announced it will open IDEA Oscar Dunn in fall of 2019
IDEA is a family of tuition-free, Pre-K – 12 public charter schools open to serving all students and committed to ensuring every scholar is prepared
On November 14, IDEA Public Schools joined Austin community members, and supporters in the groundbreaking of IDEA Health Professions. The campus will serve more than 468 students when
On Thursday, November 15, IDEA Public Schools partnered with Green Mountain Energy Sun Club and Alba Energy to “flip the switch” for a 1,072 solar panel system at the IDEA headquarters in Weslaco,Texas. The ceremony served a
Walk the halls of an IDEA school and you’re greeted by teachers, principals, cafeteria managers, custodians, receptionists, and more of our campus staff who share
From the first day students set foot on an IDEA Public School campus—whether at Academy or College Preparatory—we instill in them the expectation that they
From the first day students set foot on an IDEA Public School campus—whether at Academy or College Preparatory—we instill in them the expectation that they
6th grade is a pivotal year for IDEA students, marking the transition from Academy to College Preparatory. At the College Preparatory level, further responsibility is
Imagine a place where school children spend their days learning both inside and outside of the classroom; where students can spend time outdoors harvesting bountiful crops
Like many parents, Dariana Jefferson was anxious about her son Kaleb’s transition into middle school. Unsatisfied with many of the local school options, she heard about a
Today, IDEA is paying homage to our nation’s heroes—those who have served our country and protected our freedoms in the United States Armed Forces. On
With the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner, it’s time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and…continue learning! Did you know that IDEA’s Accelerated
What’s a Thanksgiving meal without plenty of side dishes? Well, IDEA has just the recipes you need to complete your Turkey Day spread. We’re pulling
The room was filled with anticipation on Monday, November 5, during IDEA’s Halftime event in preparation for the announcement of our newest principals. Once the names
On Sunday, November 4, Spurs legend, David Robinson, and Tom Torkelson, CEO and Founder of IDEA Public Schools, joined forces to formally announce the gifting of
Thanks, in part, to a $100,000 sustainability grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club®, the IDEA headquarters in Weslaco, TX, is being fitted with 1,072 solar
By the year 2026, an estimated 2.4 million health profession jobs will be added in the United States, making healthcare one of the most sought
Written by Imelda Arevalo, IDEA Public Schools parent “For any parent, our child is most valuable to us. We stretch our time, money, resources and ourselves
Every third week in October, school districts throughout the country observe National School Bus Safety Week to raise awareness of the importance of school bus
Did you know that according to National Family Partnership, children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to
The support of a community makes all the difference when it comes to success, and no one believes that more than Mario Marquez. This bright, articulate
At IDEA, we offer Pre-K at 29 of our campuses, and we’re growing! Four years ago, IDEA launched its half-day Pre-K program at IDEA Pharr Academy.
This week, IDEA Public Schools celebrated 6 years of educational excellence in Austin and honored the contributions and achievements of senior leadership, founding students, teachers, and community
October 15-19 is National School Lunch Week (NSLW), and IDEA is celebrating in a big way! This annual celebration raises awareness about the availability of the
Executive Director of Permian Basin Bethany Solis, didn’t always plan on having a career in education, the calling eventually found her. As a young adult living in New York
IDEA Mission Academy has been designated as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools National Blue Ribbon School for 2018 by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The
It’s official! IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that, in addition to 100 percent of seniors in the Class of 2018 gaining admission to
Welcome to the Team & Family, IDEA Elsa! On Tuesday, September 25, IDEA Public Schools gathered with community leaders, board members, IDEA students, and others to
It’s National Taco Day! As a recent National Healthy Schools Award winner, and part of IDEA’s Healthy Kids Here initiative, we have created a nutritious taco recipe from our
IDEA Southern Louisiana encompasses three campuses in Baton Rouge and one campus in New Orleans, totaling approximately 3,000 students between our academy and college prep campuses in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Great news! IDEA Southern Louisiana will also be
“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” This cold winter weather may make you want to stay bundled up inside, but there
We look forward to having our scholars return to IDEA Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year! To guarantee your scholar’s spot, you will need to
We hope your child has had an amazing year so far at IDEA Public Schools! With only a few months left in the 2020-21 school
The 4-H participants at IDEA Palmview College Preparatory are seeing the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. Sixth graders at the home of the Aggies
A new year brings opportunity to start fresh! What better way to get started than with a focus on healthy meals and habits for the
When asked why they chose special education as a career, both Dora Rodriguez and Melissa Garcia, special education teachers at IDEA Monterrey Park College Prep, answered passionately about
The holiday season is here! After an unprecedented year that greatly impacted each of us and changed how we live, work, and learn, we hope this season
Winter Break is a time to get in the holiday spirit, relax with loved ones and indulge in some delicious eats! Don’t forget – you
Happy Holidays, Team & Family! IDEA Public Schools will be closed for Winter Break from Monday, December 21 – Friday, January 1. During the break, we encourage all our scholars to continue reading
Ready for fun in the sun in Brownsville, TX? We are so excited to begin registration for Camp RIO’s 2021 Summer Camp! Camp RIO will open its doors
We are so grateful for your interest in IDEA Public Schools! We believe that each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school
Beginning late next week, the IDEA Public Schools Child Nutrition Program (CNP) will be proudly serving FREE meals during the winter break to any child ages 18 and under through the Holiday Meal Bundles Initiative! Each meal bundle will
National Special Education Day is celebrated every year on December 2! This day commemorates the anniversary of our nation’s first federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed by President
Today, the Houston-based research and advocacy nonprofit Children at Risk (Children@Risk) announced its annual list of San Antonio’s Best Schools. IDEA South Flores College Prep and IDEA Carver College Prep ranked
On Tuesday, the Houston-based research and advocacy nonprofit Children at Risk announced its annual list of the Rio Grande Valley’s Best Schools. Nineteen IDEA Public Schools middle and high schools were ranked among the
With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, it’s time to relax, spend time with family, and…continue learning! Did you know that IDEA’s Accelerated Reader
As National Scholarship Month comes to an end, we want to deeply thank all our IDEA employees for their contributions to student success through the Give Me 5 campaign, our year-round all-staff internal giving campaign! Did you know
In celebration of National Scholarship Month, we’re highlighting our students’ achievements in scholarship and creating a conversation around college affordability, scholarship options, and student and family resources. Here are our
IDEA Public Schools humbly honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces in recognition of Veterans Day. Thank you to our veterans for your service, sacrifice and the example
Can you believe it? Our regional lotteries are about to begin! If you are interested in becoming a new IDEA Public Schools family, please review
We’re looking to fill an array of positions at campuses and regional offices in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Southern Louisiana, Tarrant County and Tampa Bay for the 2021-22 school year! With
“Native people are not just a historic people. We are very much present.” – Krystle Peinado, IDEA Mesa Hills teacher Native American woman and Special Education RISE teacher Krystle Peinado’s roots can be traced to Kansas. She
“STEM is all around us. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.” – Shaddaiia Wilson, 6th grade Pre-AP Science Teacher and
Marcos Cadenas is laser-focused on seeing other IDEA alumni succeed. As a 2018 IDEA Mission alumnus and current Alumni Funding Fellow, Marcos encourages other alumni to go as far and work as hard
This month, IDEA Public Schools is proud to celebrate the rich ancestry, culture, traditions, and contributions of American Indian and Indigenous Communities during Native American Heritage Month. This celebration is also an important opportunity to educate our
As National Principals Month comes to a close, we’re checking in with three dynamic female founding principals from IDEA Tampa Bay to chat about their personal journeys into education, their mission and driving force as an
Early voting for the 2020 primary election has begun in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida! Many counties in Texas have already seen record-breaking numbers with early voting turnout and
As both the holidays and cooler weather approach, we want to make sure our Team & Family are taking every precaution to stay healthy. We’re sharing some guidance for keeping yourself, your family and
We want to ensure our Team & Family are safe and healthy not only at school, but also while celebrating this holiday season. Here are some alternative activities
As part of our series for National Principals Month, we are highlighting the stories of campus leaders whose visionary leadership and tireless pursuit of success
Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week serves as an important opportunity to highlight and address the
Gerald Boyd never imagined he would become the Founding Principal of an IDEA campus mere minutes from his childhood home. “My campus is about fifteen
IDEA is excited to celebrate and recognize National School Lunch Week (NSLW) from October 12-16. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves nearly 30 million
Child Health Day is a federal holiday that was first introduced to Congress in 1928 and celebrated for the first time in May 1929. Occurring
IDEA is excited to announce six new campuses opening for the 2021-2022 school year in six Texas regions, including IDEA Mesquite Hills in El Paso,
The application window to apply to IDEA Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year is now open! IDEA is a family of tuition-free public charter
This year, IDEA Public Schools celebrates 20 years of impact on students, families, staff, and communities. Within that time, IDEA’s track record of academic success
For the 14th consecutive year, IDEA is celebrating college matriculation! The Class of 2020 saw 48% percent of students accepted to the country’s best colleges, a 1%
“The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” – Sonia Sotomayor, First Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice in History Lisa Garza, IDEA’s Chief
Hugo Cepeda believes that every student can go as far as they want to go regardless of where they come from, and he’s using his
Did you know that today is National Voter Registration Day? National Voter Registration Day aims to make sure no one who wants to cast a
“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” – Cesar Chavez This month, IDEA Public Schools is proud to celebrate
As the need for telehealth services continues to grow, school districts are seeking additional resources where they can receive safe and dependable healthcare. As a
IDEA Public Schools is excited to announce an online after-school Junior Master Gardener program for all grade levels beginning Wednesday, September 16. As an added bonus, students in grades
Rene Molina, an International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language Arts teacher at IDEA College Preparatory McAllen, has been recognized by the Yale University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a recipient of the 2020 Yale
IDEA is excited to announce that 59 schools across five Texas regions are among the 517 schools nationwide to earn a spot on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s (Healthier
School is back in session and we want to share some of the most frequently asked questions about the 2020-21 school year, including our plans for continued rigorous and joyful instruction, whether