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.

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.

Vernon Middle School World Languages Academy, features small learning communities with the goal of developing multilingual and multicultural students that will be prepared to compete in a global economy. The World Languages Academy is open to incoming sixth-graders with the addition of a grade level each year and is a natural progression for students in the district’s Dual Language Academies to continue their language studies into their secondary school years. Learn more about the World Languages Academy.

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.

This technology-focused campus equips ninth grade students with the tools to prepare for high school and beyond. Students collaborate on projects, facilitate their own learning, and participate in extracurricular sports and fine art programs at Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South. Cano Academy was recently selected from over 1,000 schools worldwide to participate in a new Pre-Advanced Placement Program. The program offers instructional resources and classroom-based assessments to improve college readiness for all students. Watch this video. Learn more about Cano Freshman Academy.

Harlingen offers students close proximity to several leaders in the healthcare industry. Students entering 8th grade, have the opportunity to begin their own medical pathway at Harlingen School of Health Professions. In addition to being able to balance athletics at Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South, our students spend part of their days working in real healthcare facilities. From dentist offices, to hospitals, our students work with patients, help with medical surgeries, procedures, and truly gain an authentic learning experience. HCISD recently established a partnership with UTRGV to identify talented HSHP students in their junior year to place them on a path towards the UTRGV School of Medicine. Watch this video and learn more about Harlingen School of Health Professions.

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.

HCISD partners with Texas Southmost College to provide college credit courses to Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South students. By participating in our Dual Enrollment Program, students save money and become prepared for college-level courses.

The Pre-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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 (coming soon). Students have the opportunity to shine in their sport and compete in the state-of-the-art HCISD Aquatic Center and historic Boggus Stadium.