Harlingen CISD

HCISD earned 96 academic distinctions for the 2018-2019 school year. This means our campuses showed excellent results in student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps. Dr. Rodriguez Elementary, Harlingen School of Health Professions, and Dr. Cano Freshman Academy earned all possible distinctions. HCISD earned the distinction for post-secondary readiness, which is the only distinction for which a district is eligible.

Focused on post-secondary success, our academies provide students the opportunity to explore their passions, gain authentic career experiences and earn certifications. Our academies include: Apprenticeship Academy, Automotive Academy, Business Academy, Firefighters Academy, Health Science Academy, Information Technology Academy, Media Arts and Communications Academy, Natural Resources Academy, Pre-Engineering Academy, Pre-Law Academy, Veterinary Academy, and Teacher Academy. Learn more about our Academies.

The Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program allows students to possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Students are given the opportunity to show mastery in college-level courses by taking the AP exams in May of each school year. It has been shown that students’ master in-depth content at the college level more easily after completing Pre-AP and AP courses in high school. Students also acquire sophisticated academic skills and increased self-confidence in preparation for college.

Playing sports at any level can be a key part of the school experience and have an immense and lasting impact on a student’s life. As our coaches train competitive athletes, they are teaching students skills they will carry well beyond the sports arena.Athletic opportunities at HCISD include baseball, basketball, volleyball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, track, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, water polo, and wrestling. Students have the opportunity to shine in their sport and compete in the state-of-the-art HCISD Aquatic Center and historic Boggus Stadium. 

Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy unites students from across Harlingen to build a culture of character, leadership, and excellence. Through Pre-AP, AP, and foundational CTE and elective courses, students explore their passions while strengthening both academic and career readiness. Their hands-on, tech-integrated instruction empowers Ravens to take ownership of their learning and growth. Students at CFA have the opportunity to connect with their high schools by participating in athletics, fine arts, and extracurriculars through Harlingen High and Harlingen South.  

At CFA, we are one campus, one community, focused on one goal: student success.

Learn more about Cano Freshman Academy.

Implemented at every secondary campus, Character Strong aims to build a positive school community. The program helps educators infuse character and social-emotional learning into the daily fabric of any classroom or campus, focusing on character development. Watch this video to learn about the positive influence Character Strong has had in our middle school and high school campuses.

HCISD partners with Texas Southmost College to provide college credit courses to Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South students. Dual enrollment is an opportunity for students to take a course that counts for both high school and college at the same time. It allows students to graduate high school while simultaneously obtaining college credits that can be used towards a certificate or degree plan. By participating in our Dual Enrollment Program, students save money, time, and become prepared for college-level courses.

Gutierrez Middle School of Arts and Sciences inspires students to identify their passions and discover the best versions of themselves. Students who apply to the science track will be offered three pathways: Integrated Sciences, Math and Science combination, and Project Lead the Way. Students interested in the Arts can begin taking classes in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Dance, Graphic Arts, Piano, and Guitar. Learn more about Gutierrez Middle School of Arts and Sciences.

Harlingen provides students with direct access to leading healthcare organizations in our region.
Beginning in 8th grade, students have the opportunity to launch their own medical pathway at
Harlingen School of Health Professions. In addition to participating in athletics and fine arts at
their comprehensive high schools, HSHP students gain hands-on experiences by spending part of
their school day in real healthcare settings. Whether assisting in dental offices, pharmacies,
hospitals, or medical clinics, students work alongside professionals, interact with patients, and
observe medical procedures—gaining authentic, real-world experience. Through a partnership
with UTRGV, Harlingen School of Health Professions is offering dual credit opportunities and
guiding students on a pathway to the UTRGV School of Medicine. Watch this video and click here to learn more about Harlingen School of Health Professions.

Harlingen CISD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Band, orchestra, and choir are offered at the middle school and high school level. Learn more about the HCISD Performing Arts Center.

The HCISD Performing Arts Center is being transformed into an artistic space for 9th through 12th-grade students. Being able to express their creative and innovative selves, the conservatory offers classes in four strands of professional pathways including, dance, musical theater, technical theater, and theater. Productions will be showcased to the community throughout the year. Learn more about the Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory.

HCISD Robotics gives students early exposure to authentic learning experiences in the field of STEM. Our middle school and high school robotics teams put their skills to the test with First Lego League and First Tech Challenge competitions that mimic real-life scenarios and address pressing issues facing the world today. Project Wave is an example of a STEM-based collaborative project between Harlingen High School, Harlingen High School South, and Early College High School robotics teams. Learn more about Robotics at HCISD. 

STEM² Preparatory Academy provides students the opportunity to explore the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and biomedical sciences. The school features a small learning environment that incorporates 1:1 technology. In class, students are challenged to tackle complex, global issues, all while cultivating the 4C’s — Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and, Critical Thinking. Watch this video and learn more about STEM² Preparatory Academy.

Partnering with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School students can graduate high school with two years of college credit. Students can concentrate on earning their basics or focus on engineering, computer science, or teaching degree paths. 

• Learn more about UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High.

The World Languages Academy at Vernon Middle School features small learning communities designed to develop multilingual and multicultural students prepared to thrive in a global society. Incoming sixth-grade students may apply and must begin the program in sixth grade, continuing with a three-year commitment in the same language. We offer French, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish. Upon successful completion, students will earn two high school foreign language credits. 

As an IB World School, Vernon is committed to nurturing globally minded learners. All students at Vernon receive the International Baccalaureate (IB) experience, which promotes inquiry, intercultural understanding, and respect. The World Languages Academy builds on this foundation by offering students an immersive language pathway that fosters global citizenship and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.