IDEA Public Schools Welcomes Nearly 30,000 Students throughout Texas on the First Day of School

IDEA Public Schools, a nationally recognized network of tuition-free, public charter schools, began with one school serving 150 students in Donna, TX. Sixteen years later, IDEA is transforming lives, families, and communities for nearly 30,000 students in 51 schools in the Rio Grande Valley, Austin, and San Antonio. This year's graduating class will mark the 11^th consecutive year that each and every IDEA Public Schools graduate will be accepted to a four-year college or university.

"In order to rectify the problem of widespread subpar public education, the solution needs to be equally ambitious," said Tom Torkelson, founder and CEO of IDEA Public Schools. "At IDEA, we continue to pursue and meet our goal of sending every student to college. We are expanding IDEA Public Schools nationwide in order to provide the quality education that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status."

IDEA is home to six of the best high schools in Texas and the nation, according to US News and World Report and the Washington Post and the demand for IDEA schools in new communities continues to grow. This year, more than 50,000 applications were submitted for less than 10,000 open seats.

In order to welcome more students, IDEA will open seven new schools this year: IDEA Mays Academy and College Prep and IDEA Judson Academy and College Prep in San Antonio, IDEA Bluff Springs Academy and College Prep in Austin, and IDEA Toros College Prep in Edinburg. With the addition of these new campuses, IDEA will continue to prove that equitable education is, in fact, an achievable feat.

"Our administrators, teachers, and staff are excited to become a part of the San Antonio community and welcome students for our first year of learning and growth," said Joaquin Hernandez, principal of IDEA Judson College Prep.

IDEA's commitment to promoting educational excellence is evident on both a national and local level. In June of 2016, IDEA received the Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools and was named America's Best Charter School Network, consequently winning funds to develop college-readiness programs for its students.

Today also marks the expansion of IDEA's successful Pre-K program from three to twelve schools.

About IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools is a growing network of tuition-free K-12 public schools serving nearly 30,000 students in 51 schools across Texas (San Antonio, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley). With a track record of success including top-ranked high school by US News & World Report and The Washington Post, 100% college acceptance, and a college graduation rate five times the national average for low-income students, IDEA families, students, and staff are proving that college is possible for all children.

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SOURCE IDEA Public Schools