Public Schools in Emerging Region Named Among Nation's Best

EDINBURG, Texas, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to offering global manufacturing companies one of the most competitive locations in the world, Rio South Texas has some of the best secondary and higher education institutions in America. These public schools are nationally recognized for everything from challenging high school students with college-level courses to offering the best graduate programs in a number of disciplines.

Best High Schools in America

Newsweek recently released its list of the America's Best High Schools.  Rio South Texas schools making the top 6% list (and their rank) are:

• South Texas High School for Health Professions, Mercedes (40)
• South Texas High School for Business, Education and Teaching, Edinburg (50)
• Science Academy of South Texas, Mercedes (57)
• Valley View High School, Pharr (649)
• Edinburg High School, Edinburg (1,015)
• North Edinburg High School, Edinburg (1,090)

"Preparing and training our youngsters to enter promising career fields has always been a priority for this region," said Albert Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Mercedes Economic Development Corporation. "Rio South Texas is focusing on advanced education as we develop into a global business destination."

Best Colleges and Graduate Schools in America

Two University of Texas branches were also ranked in U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2010:

• University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB)
  • Best Colleges
  • Best Graduate Schools – Nursing
• University of Texas - Pan American
  • Best Graduate Schools – Education, Fine Arts, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pathology, Public Affairs, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work

"The University of Texas - Pan American (UTPA) is dedicated to producing outstanding graduates," says Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, UTPA President. "These rankings demonstrate the excellence of our faculty and our University."

Rio South Texas encompasses the southernmost tip of Texas and the Northeastern part of Mexico. The region is currently the largest U.S./Mexico border region in America, the third largest market in Texas, and the 23rd largest market in the U.S. The Rio South Texas Economic Council was formed in 2008 to attract private sector investment, economic diversification and business expansions to the region.

SOURCE Rio South Texas Economic Council