“It is inspiring to see our IDEA Sports Park basketball teams achieve something that has never been done before,” Jill Dominguez, IDEA Area Superintendent in the RGV, said. “This historic accomplishment reflects the discipline, teamwork, and heart our student athletes bring to the court every day. We are incredibly proud of our scholars and coaching staff for setting a new standard of excellence and representing our community with integrity.”

This historic achievement marks the first time that IDEA Sporks Park has won all three UIL District basketball titles at the High School Varsity, 8th grade, and 7th grade levels in the same year. 

Throughout the season, IDEA Sports Park teams demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a relentless drive to win. Coaches and players alike have worked tirelessly to build a program rooted in strong fundamentals, sportsmanship, and leadership. 

“I am so proud of our team and commitment to getting better every single day,” Jerry De La Garza, IDEA Sports Park Basketball Head Coach, shared. “They hold each other accountable, trust the process, and never lose focus on the goal. This wasn’t about one game; it was about the effort they gave all season long.” 

Learn more about Athletics at IDEA Public Schools and discover a campus near you.  

The post IDEA Sports Park Boys Basketball Celebrates “Triple Crown” Championship Sweep appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.

From first-generation college students to scholars pursuing competitive programs across the country, the Class of 2025 represented the very best of IDEA’s mission: preparing students to and through college.

Those incredible seniors, our newest IDEA Alumni, have made good on their promise. After validating the data, we can proudly say: 

We have achieved a 99.6% college matriculation rate for the Class of 2025, with 2,786 out of 2,787 seniors matriculating to college! 

This outstanding achievement is a culmination of driven efforts from our scholars, college counselors, Directors of College Counseling, and our National College team members. 

We are also deeply grateful to the teachers, campus leaders, and staff members across the IDEA network who have invested in these scholars year after year. Their commitment to academic excellence and student success helps create a strong foundation that makes achievements like this possible. 

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025 for all your hard work and perseverance. Your child’s educational journey is important. That is why here at IDEA, our partnerships with families are crucial to ensure all our scholars are supported every step of the way. 

If you’re looking for a school community that believes in your child’s potential and is committed to preparing them for college and beyond, we invite you to learn more about IDEA. Give your child the best opportunity possible and apply now for the 2026-2027 school year! Find an IDEA campus near you and start your application today.  

The post IDEA’s Graduating Class of 2025 Hits Matriculation Goal appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.

Finding Her Purpose  

Originally born in New York, she was interested in theater, the arts, and youth ministry growing up. Thinking that one of these areas would be where she’d pursue a career in, it wasn’t until her 8th grade year where things began to shift. Little did she know a staff member’s role at her school would be something she would aspire to be like. 

“At the time, I didn’t know her or what her role was,” Mrs. Amanda shared. “Everyone loved being with her in her office and whenever I was in her presence, I just felt her help and support. Looking back, I know now she was the school social worker.” 

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, she started her professional career with the Healthy Families program, which focused on preventative care for young mothers. Shortly after obtaining her master’s in social work from the University of Southern Florida, she gained more experience through her work with the school board for Polk County, Florida. In her role, her time and responsibilities were spread thin as she worked for multiple high school campuses across the county.  

“It felt like the majority of my work was about putting out fires and handling situations like urgent matters,” Mrs. Amanda said. “There was little time to do the deeper work like planting the seeds for kids through preventative work.”

Breaking Ground and Building Relationships 

Fast forward to present day, where she is approaching the end of her second school year with IDEA Lakeland. Her first year was all about adjustment and learning. With everything being new and the challenges that come from that, she praised her team for how everyone was able to grow from the experience. Building a strong foundation for a new campus isn’t easy; however, she acknowledges that through time, she was able to create her path and establish herself as a strong leader.  

As the end of the 2025-2026 school year is a few months away, Mrs. Amanda continues to face challenges head-on and with a positive attitude. “With the school doubling in size and more students enrolled, it’s like we are continuing to break ground again”, Mrs. Amanda stated.  Whether it’s seeing the positive endings in stories or getting hugs and words of gratitude from parents, Mrs. Amanda added she is reassured that she is in the right place. She works hard to break down barriers and focuses on the whole child. Through it all, she wants her students to feel valued and know that they have resilience. Once scholars graduate, she hopes that she was able to give them the tools they need to navigate life.  

“No matter the trauma or hardships, I want them to know that wholeness is possible.” Mrs. Amanda added.

Interested in building your career with IDEA Public Schools? Check out open roles for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year on our careers website and apply today.  

The post Turning Challenges into Resilience: An IDEA Social Worker’s Story appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.

Each person brings decades of executive experience, deep expertise in workforce strategy and transformation, and a shared commitment to building strong, future-focused organizations. Their insight will help guide our continued growth and ensure we remain bold in how we serve our students, families, and communities.

Meet our new board members: 

Najuma Atkinson 

Najuma Atkinson is a seasoned corporate executive with nearly 30 years of experience building and leading high-performing teams, while shaping purpose-driven cultures at global organizations. Most recently Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Hasbro, she previously held senior executive roles at Dell Technologies, Deutsche Bank, and SunTrust (now Truist Bank). Naj currently serves on the board of Marqeta Inc (Nasdaq MQ), where she is a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee and  chairs the Compensation and Benefits Committee.  Recognized by Black Enterprise and Savoy Magazine as one of the most Influential Executives in Corporate America, her expertise in workplace transformation and technology-enabled operating models will bring valuable perspective to our board.  Moreover, Najuma has demonstrated leadership in the Greater Austin region through her tenured board leadership with the Boys and Girls club. Naj earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Fisk University and her master’s in organizational design from Trevecca University.

Stacy Eng

Stacy Eng brings more than 20 years of cross-industry experience in talent strategy, leadership development, and digital transformation. Having led corporate learning and talent functions for Fortune 50 organizations across financial services, healthcare, and energy, she now focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into workforce strategy. Stacy has held senior leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, American Express and most recently Chevron, where she served as Chief Learning & Talent Officer. Her expertise in change leadership, employee experience design, and building future-ready talent cultures will help guide our long-term thinking around innovation, people strategy, and organizational growth.

Ryan Green

Ryan Green is a seasoned C-suite leader with more than 20 years at Southwest Airlines, where he served in roles including Chief Marketing, Chief Commercial, and Chief Transformation Officers. He led multibillion-dollar initiatives across customer experience, brand strategy, digital engagement, and revenue growth, and most recently spearheaded a company-wide transformation to deliver $4B in EBIT improvements. With deep experience partnering with boards on strategy, performance, and risk, Ryan brings strong commercial insight and a proven track record of driving sustainable growth.  Ryan and his family have a strong commitment to education – personally, professionally, and through their philanthropic passions.   

Please join us in welcoming them to our Texas Board. We are grateful for Stacy, Najuma, and Ryan’s willingness to serve and share their leadership with our organization. Their perspective will help ensure we remain focused, forward-thinking, and grounded in strong governance as we continue building opportunities for the students and communities we serve. 

The post Welcoming Three Distinguished Leaders to IDEA’s Texas Board appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.

Here are the five most important things families need to know: 

The Deadline Matters
To guarantee your child’s seat for the 2026–27 school year, complete re-registration by May 1, 2026. Submitting early helps campuses plan staffing, schedules, and resources, so your scholar starts the year strong. 

Re-registration Happens on STREAM
Re-registration is completed online through STREAM.  

• Log in to your existing STREAM account 
• Review and update your scholar’s information 
• Submit your confirmation 

Families that do not have a STREAM account will need to create one and link your scholar(s) to that account by using a unique access code. Follow our step-by-step guide here for re-registration!  

You Do Not Need a New Application (If Returning)
If your scholar plans to return to the same campus, you do not need to complete a new application. However, all families must complete re-registration, even if: 

• Your scholar will not be returning
• You are transferring campuses 

If transferring, complete re-registration first. You will then be guided through the transfer request process online. Once you choose that option, you will be walked through the process to apply for the new campus online. Transfers are dependent on space availability at the requested campus. 

Proof of Residency Has Been Updated
Families are required to submit an approved proof of residency document during re-registration. 

For the 2026–27 school year, families should carefully review the updated list of accepted documents before submitting. Providing the correct document ensures: 

• Accurate student records 
• Proper campus assignment 
• A smooth enrollment confirmation 

Submitting this step on time helps avoid delays later in the summer. Please visit our IDEA Proud page to learn about the documents needed by state.  

IDEA Proud Week is Here to Support You

IDEA Proud Week (March 2 – 6) is dedicated to celebrating our families and supporting you through re-registration. During this time, campuses provide:

• Hands-on registration support 
• Answers to questions about transfers or documents 
• Assistance with STREAM accounts 

We are grateful for our partnership with families. Re-registration is one of the most important steps in preparing for another successful year. 

We look forward to the prospect of having your scholar return for another enriching year! Have another child you’d like to have attend IDEA? Apply for a sibling of a current IDEA student by visiting ideapublicschools.org/apply/. 

The post Top 5 Things to Know About Registration for the 2026–27 School Year appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.

This is the 11th year ERP has released its Honor Roll, which recognizes public schools, districts, and charter schools that have outperformed their peers on State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) assessments.  

Schools are recognized for closing achievement gaps, particularly among higher-poverty and historically disadvantaged student populations. The recognition is presented in partnership with the Texas Business Leadership Council (TBLC). 

The following IDEA campuses have earned a place on the 2025 Honor Roll: 

IDEA Rio Grande Valley:  

• IDEA Quest Academy and College Preparatory  

• IDEA Frontier College Preparatory 

• IDEA San Benito College Preparatory 

• IDEA McAllen College Preparatory 

• IDEA Weslaco Pike Academy and College Preparatory 

• IDEA Riverview College Preparatory 

• IDEA Los Encinos Academy and College Preparatory 

• IDEA Owassa Academy 

IDEA San Antonio:  

• IDEA Carver College Preparatory 

• IDEA Monterrey Park College Preparatory 

• IDEA Judson Academy 

• IDEA Mays Academy 

IDEA Austin: 

• IDEA Round Rock Academy and College Preparatory 

• IDEA Rundberg College Preparatory 

IDEA Tarrant County:  

• IDEA Rise College Preparatory 

IDEA El Paso: 

• IDEA Edgemere Academy 

• IDEA Mesquite Hills College Preparatory 

IDEA Houston: 

• IDEA Lake Houston College Preparatory 

IDEA Permian Basin:  

• IDEA Yukon College Preparatory 

*Full rankings here 

How Schools Earn the Honor Roll 

The designation is based on STAAR testing results provided by the TEA over the last three years (2023, 2024, and 2025). Schools and districts who earn this designation comprehensively performed above the mean (at least 80 percent of the time) for all cohorts of students served and for all grade levels served.

Campuses serving 33 percent or more students identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged are eligible for the Honor Roll distinction, ensuring the recognition highlights schools making a strong impact for students who have historically had less access to high-quality educational opportunities.

A Statewide and National Effort 

The program is part of a broader effort to engage business leaders in recognizing successful schools and educational systems and promote best practices that improve student outcomes. Honor Roll schools are recognized for demonstrating consistently higher levels of student achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and a reduction in achievement gaps among student populations. 

To learn more about the methodology used to determine the 2025 Honor Roll schools and districts, click here.  

The post 23 IDEA Public Schools Earn Prestigious ‘Honor Roll’ Distinction from Educational Results Partnership  appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.

This week, we’re thrilled to highlight a duo of school counselors from IDEA Lake Houston who are making an impact on scholars and their campus community.  

Durst Cage – Sr. School Counselor 

As a Sr. School Counselor, one of the most meaningful lessons he has taught through his guidance lessons, group counseling, morning check-in, and one-on-one sessions is empathy. Our world is constantly changing and with that, Durst Cage encourages his students to lead with compassion, respect differences, and speak up when something is wrong.  

“The most rewarding part of being a counselor at IDEA Lake Houston is seeing the growth of our scholars and families”, he said. 

During his time at IDEA Lake Houston, Durst has been part of many journeys of students and their families as they navigate through life and continue their educational paths. He adds that whether it is a returning or a new family walking through the doors, they will always be greeted with a good morning, a laugh, and my genuine support.  

Regina Williams – School Counselor 

With a previous background as a middle school ELA teacher, Regina Williams found herself wanting to do more to help students. Before class, she would counsel students through their emotional hardships and family situations.  

“It was then that I realized it was necessary to put student care above curriculum. I wanted to be part of that to ensure they thrive inside the classroom,” she said.

Daily check-ins, lunch bunches, and counseling sessions are some of the many ways Regina is able to connect with her scholars. She makes it a point to ask how they are doing, how their classes are going, and about their friendships. Her fun and interactive games, as well as her kind presence, make for a safe place for her scholars to be vulnerable. The moment she had a student tell her that he was glad to have someone to share his story with, that he’d never told anyone, reminded her of why her work as a counselor matters and is impactful. 
 

#BeBetter 

As counselors, Durst and Regina have embraced this call to action in their work. Together, they have strengthened the overall engagement with IDEA Lake Houston families. The use of the #BeBetter is more than a hashtag at IDEA Lake Houston – it’s a mindset. Ultimately, it is about breaking down barriers and finding solutions. 

Mistakes are information, and every day is a new opportunity to learn, adjust, and try again. Through family engagement events and strong lines of communication, they ensure parents are part of the Team and Family.

A Message to Their Scholars 

We asked them both what message they would give to a student who may be too shy or is hesitant to reach out for help. Here is what they said: 

“Please know that we respect who you are and we see you. The intentional nonverbal cues and warm smiles are for you. Our door is always open for you. We will continue to check in, remain patient, and wait for you.” – Durst Cage 

“It may be uncomfortable to ask for help and that is okay. We are all human, and that is a natural feeling we get when we need help. However, there are many adults who care and support you. Ask for help, don’t be scared. Your voice and story matters.” – Regina Williams 

Interested in creating an impact on the lives of our scholars? Applications to join our Team and Family for the upcoming 2026-27 school year are now available! Check out our open roles on our careers website.  

The post Partnered by Purpose: A National School Counselor Week Spotlight appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.