FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Department of Education has recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Collegiate Academy at Tarrant County College.
The Collegiate Academy, which opened in 2014 at TCC Northeast in Hurst, is one of seven North Texas schools on the list. A celebration is planned for 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at TCC Northeast (828 W. Hardwood Road), Building NSTU Room 1615. Email sabrina.silva@gcisd.net by Oct. 22 to attend.
Schools considered for the annual award are nominated by the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year, and each must submit a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family and community involvement.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
GCISD Collegiate Academy enables students to finish high school and their first two years of college simultaneously while accumulating college hours at Tarrant County College. Many Collegiate Academy graduates finish high school with more than 60 hours of university credit. Students choose a college major and begin taking required coursework toward completing their degree while fulfilling high school graduation requirements with tuition and books provided by GCISD.
“We are so grateful for the Collegiate Academy community working together to support students. Without the incredible partnership between students, families, staff, TCC Northeast partners and the GCISD community, we would not be able to accomplish this great honor,” said Collegiate Academy Principal Lauren Jackson.
As of October 2023, approximately 360 students were enrolled at GCISD Collegiate Academy. Since its opening, almost 350 Collegiate Academy students have earned an associate degree from TCC while in high school.
“Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Collegiate Academy exemplifies Tarrant County College’s dedication to collaborating with area school districts to foster educational environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “Through this collaboration, we can reposition the trajectory of entire families for generations to come. The opportunity to learn is the opportunity to earn.”
The Department of Education recognizes all schools based on student performance data, including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools named a National Blue Ribbon School may display a flag in their entryway or on a flagpole.
“The TCC Board of Trustees congratulates the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Collegiate Academy for the remarkable success we’ve seen there,” said Board Secretary and District 3 Representative Jeannie Deakyne. “We believe all students deserve access to a quality education that prepares them for success. The national Blue Ribbon designation is most encouraging and affirms our philosophy of achievement through collaboration.”
TEXAS NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS
- Archer City – Archer City Elementary School, Archer City ISD.
- Booker – Bob L. Kirksey Elementary School, Booker ISD.
- Brownsville – BRYSS Academy, Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success.
- Dallas – St. Philip’s School & Community Center, St. Philip’s School and Community Center.
- De Leon – De Leon High School, De Leon Independent School District.
- Farmers Branch – Dave Blair Elementary School, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.
- Flatonia – Flatonia Elementary School, Flatonia ISD.
- Galveston – Ambassadors Preparatory Academy, Ambassadors Preparatory Academy.
- Gruver – Gruver High School, Gruver ISD.
- Hillsboro – Hillsboro Junior High School, Hillsboro ISD.
- Houston – Alief Early College High School, Alief ISD.
- Houston – Christ the Redeemer Catholic School, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
- Houston – Saint John Paul II Catholic School, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
- Hurst – Grapevine-Colleyville Collegiate Academy at Tarrant County College Northeast, GCISD.
- Jayton – Jayton Schools, Jayton-Girard ISD.
- Laredo – Abraham Kazen Elementary School, United ISD.
- Laredo – Jesus A. Kawas Elementary School, Laredo ISD.
- Longview – Hudson Elementary School, Longview ISD.
- Lubbock – Rise Academy, Rise Academy.
- Mertzon – Irion County High School, Irion County ISD.
- Nazareth – Nazareth School, Nazareth ISD.
- Palestine – Neches High School, Neches ISD.
- Pearland – St. Helen Catholic School, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
- Plano – Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic School, Diocese of Dallas.
- Quanah – Quanah High School, Quanah ISD.
- Roma – Florence J. Scott Elementary School, Roma ISD.
- San Antonio – Robert B. Green Elementary at Riverside Park, San Antonio ISD.
- Tyler – Caldwell Arts Academy, Tyler ISD.
- Vanderbilt – Industrial Junior High School, Industrial ISD.
- Whitehouse – Gus Winston Cain Elementary School, Whitehouse ISD.
- Whitewright – Whitewright Middle School, Whitewright ISD.
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.