Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) is committed to guiding students to and through college, establishing itself as a state and national leader in academic excellence. With more than $130 million in scholarships and $37.8 million in grants awarded to the Class of 2024, PSJA ISD’s dedication to student success is unparalleled.
Serving more than 30,000 students across three cities, PSJA ISD provides a comprehensive education from prekindergarten through 12th grade; students are not just college-ready but equipped for the challenges of a global environment and to meet the demands of today’s workforce. The district’s focus on college and career readiness has been instrumental in achieving a high school completion rate of over 97%, with all district high schools designated as Early College — an accolade unique to PSJA ISD.
The impact of these efforts has already proven fruitful, with hundreds of alumni graduating from colleges and universities each year. Among them is PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School graduate Amy Escalante, who recently graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management, concentrating in International Trade and Development.
“PSJA ISD not only gives you a foundation, but it also helps you be confident in what you want to do,” said Escalante, who recently returned to visit her alma mater. “The district gave me the assurance I needed to be a Latina in an Ivy League institution like Cornell. If I could give any piece of advice to students, it would be to take every opportunity that you’re given. Know that you are more than deserving of those opportunities.”
Having participated in PSJA ISD’s Dual Language Enrichment Program, Escalante remained proud of her multicultural heritage and bilingualism by triple minoring in Spanish, Latino Studies, and Latin American/Caribbean Studies.
PSJA ISD’s wall-to-wall Early College Program is founded on an equity-centered, holistic approach, providing rigorous academics alongside dedicated support from teachers, counselors, and mentors. Each semester, more than 3,000 high school students engage in college-level courses through dual and concurrent enrollment partnerships with higher education institutions like South Texas College, preparing them for the academic demands of post-secondary education. Through these comprehensive Early College efforts, the PSJA ISD Class of 2024 saved an estimated $7,692,912 in college tuition expenses through dual credit opportunities offered.
Recognizing that many of its graduates are first-generation college students, PSJA ISD has also invested in a College Transition Program to help students navigate the journey from high school to college. With Financial Aid Officers and College Transition Specialists, the program ensures that every student receives personalized guidance in applying to colleges, securing financial aid, and accessing scholarships, with ongoing support throughout their college years to help them complete their degrees.
“PSJA is committed to transforming the lives of our students and their families by removing barriers and ensuring equitable access to opportunities, giving students a head start in their college and career journeys,” said PSJA Executive Officer for College Readiness Dr. Linda Uribe-Treviño.
A critical component of this support is helping students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which connects millions of students with over $150 billion in federal education funding. PSJA ISD’s Go Centers, located at every high school, provide essential resources for students and families to complete important financial aid forms. Annual events like College Night and College & Career Tailgates at the PSJA Stadium hosted each fall offer students the opportunity to connect with college representatives and explore their options.
“At PSJA ISD, we are a family and we work together to ensure our students succeed as they transition into college or university,” said PSJA ISD College Transition Program Director Carlos Garcia. “We provide numerous opportunities throughout the year for students to apply to college, complete their financial aid forms and secure scholarships.”
These efforts have propelled PSJA ISD to the forefront of the Region and State in graduating high school students with associate degrees, with 15.7% of students achieving this milestone compared to the regional average of 5.4% and the state average of 2.4%, according to the 2023 Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR). Partnerships with institutions like South Texas College allow hundreds of PSJA ISD seniors to graduate with associate degrees without debt.
“PSJA ISD is about offering opportunities for all our students and helping them reach the next level in their education,” said PSJA ISD Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “We are incredibly proud to lead the region and state in having students earning dual credit hours, but our work is far from over. We must continue to strive to increase that percentage.”
According to the 2023 TAPR Report, 50% of PSJA ISD high school graduates earned dual credit hours, surpassing the state average of 24%. Through its emphasis on opportunities from cradle to college, PSJA ISD’s commitment to student success starts with building a strong academic foundation, enabling elementary students to transition smoothly into middle school, high school, and beyond.
PSJA ISD is an open-enrollment school district serving over 30,000 students and welcomes students from across the Rio Grande Valley. Parents interested in learning more about the district’s college opportunities can visit psjaisd.us/earlycollege.
