MERCEDES — Four local high schools are at the top of their class. And they’re all part of the South Texas Independent School District. “U.S. News & World Report recently published its 2019 Best High Schools Rankings,” said Amanda Odom, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator for STISD. “All four STISD high schools rank among the best in the state and nation,” she said.
STISD Superintendent Marco Lara Jr. was delighted by the news.
“We are elated to see all four of our high schools achieving a ranking among the best in the state
and nation,” he said. “There are amazing things happening in education in the Rio Grande Valley, and we are so proud to be a part of it.”
The Science Academy strives to offer students coursework they can find nowhere else, said Principal Irma Castillo.
“The Science Academy has excelled in reaching this goal,” she said. “Our diverse community engages in a world class curriculum that prepares students for the global economy.”
She said teachers and coursework encourage collaboration, creativity and the persistence to succeed.
“Our students utilize the engineering design
process to solve a multitude of real world problems,” Castillo said. “Each student on our campus has a unique graduation plan that fosters their ability to explore and be creative.”
This process often shows itself in the school’s innovative lab.
“You will find students 3D printing, laser engraving, welding, soldering and much more as they design their creations from prototype to finished product,” Castillo said. “At the Science Academy we believe in inspiring students to be life-long learners no matter what their career choice is.”
