The Houston Academy for International Studies has been named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School.

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National Blue Ribbons are awarded annually to schools to validate the hard work of students and educators. To be recognized as an exemplary high performing school, a school must have its students test in the top 15 percent in the state in both reading and math, have subgroups test in the top 40 percent in the state or have a graduation rate in the top 15 percent in the state.

“We are thrilled to receive this national recognition for our for our school,” Principal Melissa Jacobs Thibaut said. “It has been an honor to be the founding principal of the Houston Academy for International Studies and be able to envision and grow this program over the last eight years.”

The Houston Academy for International Studies is one of the district’s early college high schools, offering students the chance to complete an associate’s degree through Houston Community College while earning their high school diploma. Students are required to take four years of a foreign language (Spanish or Mandarin Chinese), take a course in Model United Nations, and create a portfolio of projects with a global perspective.  The school actively seeks out scholarships and offers students opportunities to travel abroad.