Every student has a journey, and SAISD is supporting that path wherever it may lead for each of its students. Not having a say in your education is a thing of the past. With a growing list of forward-thinking academic programs at neighborhood schools, as well as specialized choice schools, SAISD students can customize their own educational experience and find what truly drives them. With a determination to innovate and prepare students for higher education, SAISD encourages students to choose their course to success.
SAISD has made tremendous strides in preparing its students for college. For the Class of 2018, 85 percent of students graduated on time and, of the college-goers, 54 percent enrolled in a four-year university. Educators take the opportunity to get students on an advanced track whenever possible, like encouraging them to take Algebra by 8th grade — a major marker in college readiness.
National programs like QuestBridge also support SAISD students on their journey to college. In 2018-2019, the district has three students who were chosen for the prestigious scholarship program, for which only 3 percent of high school seniors nationwide are considered.
The District has an unrelenting determination to improve its students’ lives by preparing them for wherever their educational journey takes them. With commitment, passion, and respect, SAISD stays student-centered and maintains high expectations every day.
Teachers are the backbone of a successful district. SAISD launched the Master Teacher initiative, investing in high achieving teachers to provide additional quality instructional time for at-risk students. With 600 Master Teachers expected for the 2019-20 school year, the District is on track to meet the goal of 1,000 Master Teachers. Two hundred Instructional Coaches Districtwide provide critical support.
The caliber of instruction has proven itself in state and nationwide rankings. In 2018, 34 schools earned at least one Distinction from the Texas Education Agency, and four schools earned a spot on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best High Schools in the U.S.
SAISD begins preparing its students for success in education from the very first moment they ever step foot on a school campus, beginning with early childhood education.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, SAISD has begun a partnership with UT-Austin researchers to redesign early childhood education in the District. The collaboration focuses on child-centered learning that allows students to become intellectual explorers, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. The new curriculum will phase in until it is offered at all the District’s Early Childhood Education Centers and the elementary schools/academies that offer Pre-K.
From the get go, parents of young learners have options for their children, including dual language programming, which not only opens up opportunities for students in a global society, but also enriches their growing minds from day one.
SAISD knows that education is not one-size-fits-all. The District offers opportunities for students to pursue numerous special interests and career goals.
By offering magnet programs at neighborhood high schools as well as Advanced Placement courses, expanding dual credit opportunities and providing the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework at nine campuses at the elementary, middle, and high school levels (the only district in the city to do so), SAISD is teaching its students to be curious about the world around them.
Additionally, SAISD offers choice schools such as the single-gender Young Men’s and Young Women’s Leadership Academies, STEM-focused curriculum and project-based learning at CAST Med* and CAST Tech High Schools as well as the Pathways in Technology Early College High School* specializing in cybersecurity.
*Opens August 2019
Always searching for ways to ensure its students have the tools they need to be successful, SAISD applied and received the Verizon Innovative Learning Grant, which benefits more than 3,000 students and nearly 200 teachers across four SAISD middle schools. Further connecting students to technology where they need it most, all SAISD school buses are now equipped with Wi-Fi, providing riders access to the Bibliotech audiobook library.
A $7 million grant and state funding will fill the need for new broadband high-speed fiber network for all SAISD schools and offices. This addition will keep students up-to-date with the latest technology by providing lightning-fast internet. Further improving infrastructure, the 2016 Bond will fast-track 13 schools into the future with extensive renovations, creating 21st-century learning environments.
SAISD knows that success is so much more than just traditional academics. With fine arts expanded to 35 more schools, every single K-5th grade student in the District has art class. Outside of the classroom, expanded sports programs give students the opportunity to learn healthy habits and to balance school work with extracurricular activities. Our SAISD music students are making waves in the region. For the first time in 30 years, five out of seven high school marching band programs received a superior rating at their UIL contest.
Our students show their excellence inside and outside the classroom. Here are some of the activities in which SAISD students can participate*:
- Academic Decathlon
- UIL
- JROTC
- Robotics Club
- Gamma Sigma Girls
- Mini G.E.M.S.
- Chess Club
- Reading Club
- Art Club
- Spanish Club
- Photography Club
- Athletics and Academy Sports
- Spirit Groups
- Mariachi
- Band
- Theatre and One Act Play
- Folklorico Dance
- Newspaper
- Yearbook
- Gardening
- Environmental Science Club
- PALs
*Offerings vary by school
29 April 2019
Three SAISD students are headed to the nation’s top universities as QuestBridge Scholars
QuestBridge is a nonprofit that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities. This year, SAISD had three seniors chosen as QuestBridge scholars among only 3% nationally.
10 April 2019
The many ways SAISD students are on course for the future
In the past several years, you may have noticed some significant changes throughout SAISD. The multitude of changes being made Districtwide all boil down to one fact: we care about each and every one of our students and it’s our mission to make sure they are as successful and well-rounded as possible.