For the 15th consecutive year, IDEA is celebrating college matriculation!   

This year, 61% of the Class of 2021 were accepted into the country’s best colleges or universities, a 13% increase from last year. The Class of 2021 received 7,484 national acceptances to colleges and universities with 2,068 acceptances into selective and highly selective colleges, plus 14 Ivy League acceptances. In addition, 25% of students are currently attending the country’s best colleges, up 4% from last year.  

The class also received more than $85 million in scholarships and grants and 74% are the first in their family to attend college! 

Since 2007, IDEA has achieved a nearly perfect college matriculation rate as it pursues its unwavering commitment of College for All children, ensuring graduates are prepared to succeed in college, career, and life.  The network has maintained these extraordinary results as it has grown to serve nearly 75,000 students across 137 schools in Texas, Louisiana and Florida since 2000—more than any other charter school network during this time period.   

“Despite unprecedented challenges, the Class of 2021 has set record-setting results, proven themselves by working hard, and defined their success,” says Al Lopez, Board Chair and Acting CEO and Superintendent of IDEA Public Schools. “They spent their junior and senior year amidst a global pandemic and faced learning curves but were still able to come out on top. These students are a unique bunch, and we are very proud of them.” 

Per the National Student Clearinghouse, when only 35.3% of the nation’s 2019 graduates and only 27.7% of the nation’s 2020 graduates enrolled in college after graduating from high school, IDEA’s record is undeniable: 

• 2019: 99.91% 
• 2020: 100% 
• 2021: 99.51% 

IDEA’s mission is to get students to and through college! This promise to our students and families does not end when they are accepted to college nor matriculate to college. College for All Children is made possible by the talented staff, innovative programs, and the cultivation of a college-going culture. Through IDEA’s College Support Model, our staff partners with families to see every student has the tools and support they need to get to and through college. Our experts also provide a wide range of services and support for alumni while in college. 

IDEA’s alumni team plays the primary role of ensuring graduates have the resources they need succeed.  They check in with alumni regularly via person-to-person meetings, phone calls, text messages, emails, and more, providing students on-the-spot coaching related to success in college.    

“I am more than excited to start my college journey,” said Audrey Monet Stiles, IDEA Carver Class of 2021 alumnus attending Texas Southern University. “Through my many years in the IDEA Team & Family, there have been so many people who have helped, inspired, and guided me – even outside of academics and into life. They have made a huge impact in my life!” 

Congratulations, Class of 2021! We are so proud of all your accomplishments.