Most middle schoolers wouldn’t envision themselves producing and starring in their own TV show, writing lines of code to program 3-D prints, or building computers from scratch, but for Burbank Middle School Technology Applications students, that’s an average Wednesday. Under the guidance of Technology teacher Sergio Luviano, Burbank students have the opportunity to master complex technological concepts through engaging projects and real-world application in this unique elective class.
Continue readingCategory Archives: Magnet/School Choice
Hogg and BCMA Ryan Middle Schools celebrate national magnet certifications
Students and staff at Hogg Middle School and Baylor College of Medicine Academy (BCMA) at Ryan Middle School know their schools are special, and now they have national recognition. Both HISD campuses have met the criteria to become nationally certified by Magnet Schools of America.
Continue readingCarnegie Vanguard earns top spot in Children at Risk’s annual rankings
The research and advocacy nonprofit Children at Risk released its annual school rankings with several Houston ISD campuses earning top spots. For the 2022-2023 school year, HISD’s Carnegie Vanguard High School was ranked the number one public high school in the Greater Houston area.
HISD 2024-2025 School Choice application now open; See timeline and dates
HISD’s Department of School Choice has announced key dates for families interested in participating in the school choice process and enrolling their scholars in magnet or alternative schools.
The process has been updated based on feedback that the District received from families with the intention of simplifying and streamlining the school choice process. HISD will condense the application and enrollment timeline in order to notify families about their options earlier.
Phase One Application is now open through Feb. 23, 2024. Click here to apply.
Continue readingHISD students get wild with visit from Houston Zoo ambassador animals
Fonville Middle School is an HISD magnet campus that houses the Academy for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Professionals. Under the direction of Magnet Coordinator Nishtha Pant, Fonville’s three-year-old magnet program gives STEM scholars access to classes developed to foster creative thinking in scientific fields.
Fonville’s STEM curriculum begins with Introduction to STEM in the sixth grade and branches out into three learning pathways: Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science. To supplement these programs of study, Fonville works with community organizations to introduce further STEM concepts. One of these organizations is the Houston Zoo, who visited Fonville on Friday, Nov. 3, with three animal ambassadors in tow.
Continue readingNational STEM Day: Project-based learning at HISD’s Energy Institute
Nov. 8 is National STEM Day, but at Energy Institute High School, every day is about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The STEM-focused magnet follows an interdisciplinary instruction model that blends science, math, and language arts into project-based learning. This year, students are learning about ancient architecture and civilizations in English and history and using that as inspiration to create their own modern “world wonders” that exemplify Houston culture.
Hartsfield ES students embark on underwater drone project
On the journey to Destination 2035, HISD educators are looking for ways to incorporate innovative lessons in technology-focused core competencies. At Hartsfield Elementary School, students are learning with underwater drones.
Continue readingHISD elementary school opened before the Great Depression celebrates its 95th birthday
Brett Gallini is a self-proclaimed history buff, so it should come as no surprise that he was excited to take up the mantle of principal at River Oaks Elementary (ROE). This year, the school celebrates its 95th birthday and just under a century of growth and progressive learning.
HISD elementary school offers hands-on animal and environmental experiences year-round
Hartsfield Elementary School looks like an average campus from the outside. Inside the school’s front doors, even a keen observer might not immediately notice one of the elements that makes Hartsfield unique, even though it – or they – are just a few feet away, lining the hallways to the left and right: snakes, lizards, a tarantula, even an alligator, all call Hartsfield, HISD’s only Animal and Environmental Science magnet elementary school, home.
Continue readingHISD magnet programs provide an individualized education for a unique student body
With more than 186,000 students of different interests and talents, HISD offers 128 unique magnet programs at schools throughout the district. From STEM, medicine, and biotechnology to law and performing and visual arts, and the programs are designed with accessibility, equity, and individual student growth in mind.
“HISD magnet programs serve as a bridge for our scholars and families to access unique opportunities, transformative experiences, and exposure to innovative careers,” said School Choice Manager Alyssa Banks, who is herself a product of a magnet program. “The assortment of magnet themes and options are a testament to our philosophy in HISD, that our students can be anything they set their mind to, and we as educators are here to help them get there.”
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