7 Texas Schools Earn Honor Roll for Student Success

Seven schools in South Texas are celebrating a major academic win that shows what's possible when educators refuse to give up on their students.

The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District announced that seven of its campuses earned spots on the 2025 Texas Honor Roll, a distinction reserved for schools making real, measurable progress in student success. The Educational Results Partnership, sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence, runs the only statewide recognition program based purely on objective student achievement data.

Five elementary schools made the list: Aida C. Escobar, Allen & William Arnold, Berta S. Palacios, Carmen Anaya, and Cesar Chavez. They're joined by two specialized high schools focused on college preparation: PSJA Collegiate School of Health Professions and PSJA Thomas Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School.

What sets these schools apart isn't just test scores. They're closing achievement gaps between different student groups and getting more kids ready for college or careers after graduation.

"This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our educators and staff who work tirelessly to provide high-quality learning opportunities for every student," said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. The district serves communities in Pharr, San Juan, and Alamo along the Texas-Mexico border.

The Ripple Effect

When schools succeed in preparing students for life after graduation, entire communities benefit. These seven campuses are proving that zip codes don't determine futures. Their success sends a powerful message to students: your teachers believe in you, your community supports you, and your dreams are within reach.

The recognition also matters to Texas business leaders who understand the connection between strong schools and a prepared workforce. By focusing on both academic achievement and real-world readiness, these campuses are building the foundation for their students' economic success and their region's future prosperity.

The honor roll distinction celebrates something often missing from education headlines: steady, consistent progress that changes lives one student at a time.