IDEA McAllen sets high expectations for every student and goes the extra mile to make sure every student realizes their own potential. Personalized learning, critical thinking skills, mastery of core subjects is our recipe for success.
IDEA McAllen is located at:
IDEA McAllen, 201 N. Bentsen Rd., McAllen, TX 78501
Darlene Espinoza is the proud principal for IDEA McAllen Academy. She is currently in her 6th year in the principalship and in her 14th year with IDEA Public Schools. Her goal is to lead a transformational school where adults work relentlessly to build balanced students: students who are academically solid and emotionally intelligent. This approach best positions students to be contributing members of their community and our larger world. Darlene Espinoza resides in McAllen with her husband and three children: Nati, Naya and Niram.
Roberto Garza IV is a proud UT Austin Longhorn who graduated in 2010 with his Bachelors degree in Economics. In 2012 he joined the IDEA Team and Family as the founding 6th grade math teacher for IDEA McAllen College Prep.
Roberto has served many roles at IDEA McAllen including High School Teacher, Grade Team Leader, Content Team Leader, Assistant Principal of Instruction, IB Coordinator, AP Coordinator and Principal in Residence. During those 7 years, he witnessed the 6th graders he first taught graduate and matriculate to the colleges of their dreams. After one year serving at IDEA Donna College Prep, Roberto has returned to lead IDEA McAllen as the Principal. Roberto’s goal is to continue the legacy of success by design. Under his leadership, students will receive a world class education that truly prepares them for the rigor and challenge of life outside of high school, the first being COLLEGE! Roberto believes that when the students “See it through” anything is possible. Let’s go Tigers!
Continue ReadingMy name is Ashley Francis, and I am the Assistant Principal of Operations at IDEA McAllen! I began my career with IDEA Public Schools at IDEA McAllen as a Founding, Kindergarten Teacher. I worked with 5- and 6-year-old Tigers on building a strong foundational education in reading, language and math.
In 2015 I transitioned into the role of Academic Counselor where I organized and led many large buckets that included STAAR Testing, ELL/ 504 student support, Social Emotional support for students, Persistence, student events, parent events and much, much more! In 2018 I decided to take on a challenge and transitioned into the role of Assistant Principal of Instruction for Pre-K and Kindergarten. During this time, I worked alongside 2 of the most amazing instructional teams, students and parents! I enjoyed being in the classrooms with students, supporting their teachers to ensure a super education! I found my love for Operations, so in 2019 I transitioned into the role of Assistant Principal of Operations for IDEA McAllen. In the Operations Team we lead office daily functions, breakfast and lunch, 100% classroom set up, transportation, technology, attendance and more! I am proud to say that I work alongside the most dedicated and hardworking individuals. The Operations Team’s #1 goal is to eliminate obstacles for our teachers and students, so they can focus on providing 5-star education in the classroom! GO TIGERS!
Continue Reading2115 W. Pike Blvd.
Weslaco, TX 78596
Main: (956) 377-8000
Fax: (956) 447-3796
IDEA Public Schools National Board Members: Collin Sewell – Chair, Ed Rivera – Vice-Chair and Treasurer, Ryan Vaughan – Secretary, Reba Cardenas McNair, David Earl, Erich Holmsten, Michael Adams, Gary Lindgren, Theresa Barrera-Shaw, Nanette Cocero.