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Elementary Experience

Elementary Experience

A young girl smiles, holding a book, with the words 'Elementary Experience' displayed.

Laying a strong educational foundation, our seventeen elementary schools provide unique choices and opportunities for every child. While remaining focused on academic success, character education, collaborative learning experiences, and future college and career exploration are at the forefront of what we do. As long as there is space at a campus, you have a choice when it comes to which school you would like your child to experience. Visit our elementary webpage to learn more about each campus. 

  • A young girl smiles while playing a learning game at a table.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.

  • A young girl uses a tablet in a classroom setting.Elementary classroom spaces have taken on a modern approach district-wide. New furniture and technology encourage a learning environment focused on creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Additional classrooms will experience transformations the 2019-2020 school year.

  • A teacher and children smile while working on a project in a classroom.Focusing on early childhood development, HCISD’s full-day model for Pre-K prepares children to do their best in their education by nurturing and fostering a lifelong desire to learn. Now offering every child the opportunity to attend full-day Pre-K in HCISD, there are no eligibility requirements. Call 956-430-9798 to enroll your child. 

  • A smiling young boy sits at a desk in a colorful classroom.HCISD’s Dual Language Academy is based on a bilingual education model where English and native Spanish speaking students work together and learn in two languages. By the end of the fifth grade, enrolled students will be academically at grade level and equally proficient in English and Spanish. Currently the program is offered at five elementary campuses: Houston, Lamar, Lee Means, Ben Milam and Wilson Elementary.

  • Children in costumes perform on stage, with the text 'Lee H. Means Fine Arts Academy'.Embedded in the unique and vertically aligned curriculum, students attending this campus explore their creative talent through opportunities in dance, music, visual arts and theater. Fine Arts Academy learners also have access to after-school enrichment opportunities free of charge. Learn more about Lee H Means Elementary.

  • Children smile and hold flags, promoting International Baccalaureate campuses.Austin and Sam Houston Elementary are now International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools! The campuses offer a multilingual approach and rigorous curriculum that is focused on developing active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others. Learn more about Austin Elementary and Sam Houston Elementary. This video explains the impact IB is having on our campuses.

  • A group of children and an adult pose for a photo in front of a brick wall.HCISD is proud to have Dishman Elementary represent Harlingen CISD as a Blue Ribbon School. This recognition is considered one of the highest in the country, as it reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the students, families, and staff. Learn more about Dishman Elementary.

  • A teacher and student smile while using a tablet in a classroom setting.Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use technology to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Zavala Elementary is proud to be only one of ten schools in the state of Texas to earn this designation. Students participate in authentic digital content and invest in their learning through differentiated instruction. Learn more about Zavala Elementary.

  • A man assists a child in a swimming pool, supporting them in the water.HCISD is committed to providing correct water safety education in a loving, fun and positively reinforced environment through the Safely Educating Aquatic Learners (SEAL) program. All second grade students participate in this water activity at the district’s new aquatic facility.

  • A young boy with glasses smiles while working on a robot.HCISD offers a highly interactive robotics program at every campus that not only allows students hands on training with equipment but also provides the opportunity for them to design and create aspects of the machines. This program allows for the development of skills and interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. Students showcase their skills and talents in state and national level robotics competitions.

  • A smiling boy in a red shirt sits at a table, ready to play chess.Chess is a precise and logical game that requires an ability to strategize and express creativity. Research shows that children who play chess can score higher on standardized testing and have a more highly developed visual memory. At HCISD, students can begin learning the fundamentals of chess as early as Pre-K. HCISD chess teams compete at the state and national level.

  • Two children hold tennis rackets, smiling at the camera.The newly introduced Tennis and First Tee Golf Program provides all HCISD third grade students the opportunity to learn how to play golf and tennis. Along with the great exercise these sports provide, students develop valuable skills of responsibility, discipline, perseverance, problem solving and mental strength.

  • Two children wearing gloves examine freshly picked tomatoes and radishes in a garden.HCISD fourth-grade students are learning the fundamentals of nutrition and health through the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service G.R.O.W. program. Throughout the year, these students learn how to garden and study the nutritional benefits behind what they are growing.

  • A young boy holds a helmet, smiling at the camera.Little Innovators is a new initiative that gives fifth-grade students the opportunity to express creativity and innovation. Under the guidance of their teachers, students design and develop ideas and concepts to present before a panel of Harlingen business professionals.

  • Two children hold tablets in a library, smiling at the camera.Yes! Our Kids Can is a district-wide initiative for students in Pre-Kindergarten and first grade. By planting the seed at an early age, the program's goal is to create a mindset in students to make them understand that anyone can go to college. Yes! Our Kids Can consist of fifteen-minute teacher-led lessons which help students envision a brighter, more successful future by exposing them to the idea of post-secondary education through songs, games, and puzzles. Watch this video to see the program's impact in our district.