The Houston Independent School District’s North Houston Early College High School has been nominated by the Texas Education Agency as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School.

North Houston Early College High School (NHECHS) is one of 26 public schools in Texas and the only one in HISD that received a nomination from the state’s education agency. NHECHS is housed on the Northline Houston Community College campus and follows a dual-credit model, offering students the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

“North Houston Early College deserves a gold star for receiving this Blue Ribbon School nomination,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “We are extremely proud of the work, vision and focus of the teachers, Principal Samantha Brooks, Lead Principal Alan Summers, and Area Superintendent Staci Taylor that led to this nomination.”

A majority of NHECHS students graduate with dual degrees. This is the first year Brooks has served as principal of the campus.

“This nomination is a testament to the systems and standards that preceded me, and it speaks to the way our students meet every challenge and strive for excellence every day,” Brooks said. “Our parents, teachers and leaders do an amazing job of setting a high bar. I also want to thank my lead principal and area superintendent. They are my rock.”

NHECHS must now complete a rigorous application process conducted by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). In September of 2021, winning schools will be announced.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools program began in 1982 as a way for the USDE to recognize the nation’s best public and private elementary, middle, and high schools.

To see the full list of Texas public school nominees, click here.