New Campaign to Encourage Policymakers to Think Big About Public Charter Schools in Houston

HOUSTON – The Texas Public Charter School Association today announced a new advertising and media campaign in the Houston area. Across Houston, public charter schools are delivering exceptional academic results – and for children who need great schools most. With unique and rigorous programmatic offerings to prepare children for 21^st century jobs, many Houston public charter schools have excelled at and successfully adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. The new campaign, which will be run both in English and Spanish, will encourage policymakers to “Think Big” about education in Houston while spotlighting the flexibility that public charters have.

“Public charter schools in Houston have seen not just terrific academic results, but also incredible demand from parents. They’re working – and they’re moving public education in Houston into the future. That’s what this new campaign is all about,” said Starlee Coleman, Texas Public Charter School Association Chief Executive Officer. “Houston public charter schools have the flexibility to innovate, giving students the tools they need to succeed in the 21^st century economy. We need to continue to think big about education in Houston and beyond, and we must continue to embrace new, high-quality public charter schools that are moving public education forward.”

“In these incredibly challenging and uncertain times, families across Houston have been able to rely on a source of stability: their public charter schools. Whether through remote or in-person instruction, public charters across our city are delivering incredible outcomes for students who need it most – when they need it most. This new, positive campaign highlights their amazing work for the communities they serve,” said Christopher Mayes, Superintendent of Beatrice Mayes Institute.

Dr. Adriana Tamez, Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success superintendent, said “Public charter schools in Houston are not just high quality options for students who need them most. For many in our community, schools such as Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success also offer services to ensure our families are safe, healthy and positioned to thrive. This campaign illustrates why the work we do for children is so important.”

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has hit schools and students across the country in harsh and unique ways, we’ve demonstrated the ability to adapt as a public charter school. This new effort spotlights what so many teachers, families, and community members know to be true: public charter schools are delivering progress not only online education but also the social emotional needs of each student,” said Matt Dilli, Principal, School of Science and Technology- Advancement, “Public charter schools in Houston are not just high quality options for students who need them most. We are the second home for so many in our local communities.” 

“By providing hundreds of thousands of Houston students with a high-quality public education, Houston public charter schools are at the forefront of increasing access to opportunities for our students. From the beginning and throughout the pandemic, we prioritized the academic rigor and success of our students, and this new campaign spotlights our overall work to help build a better tomorrow,” said Kayleigh Colombero, Founder and Superintendent of Étoile Academy Charter School.

“Houston public charter schools are dedicated to the success of our students. This has been our mission since our founding and our track record proves that we are delivering results for many Houston families,” said YES Prep Public Schools CEO Mark DiBella. ”The new Think Big campaign showcases just that and we are thrilled for what is yet to come.”

“We are excited for the new Think Big campaign to highlight the incredible work that our public charter schools are contributing to the entire Houston area and beyond. We are helping to close the opportunity gap by preparing future generations of students for college and career success,” said Dr. Jennifer Goodman, Superintendent of Odyssey Academy.

“When the bar is set high for all children, we know they always meet it. We are proud to serve youth of potential. High expectations, academic rigor, preparation for college and career in the 21st century – that’s what Houston charter schools offer and that’s what this new Think Big campaign highlights,” said Margaret Rodriguez, Superintendent at AAMA’s George I. Sanchez Charter Schools.

“We know all students can succeed when they have access to passionate, expert teachers and a safe, challenging, and supportive learning environment. All students, regardless of zip code, income, or ability, should have the opportunity to learn in a school that meets their needs and prepares them for college and beyond. That's the idea behind the Think Big campaign, and it's why our schools exist.” said Natalie Rubio, Executive Director of IDEA Public Schools Greater Houston region.

Over the past several years, charter schools in Texas have ​delivered impressive academic results: 

• Though they serve significantly more economically disadvantaged students, public charters Houston outperform HISD schools in reading, for instance, by significant margins (62% vs. 47%)
• Texas public charter schools are achieving high rates for college, career, and military readiness (CCMR), with 82% in charter vs. 67% in HISD schools.
• High school dropout rates for public charter students have been less than half of those for ISDs for the last 5 years

Despite these results, many Texans remain unaware about the positive impact that public charter schools are creating in communities across the state. This campaign is designed to raise awareness and improve the understanding of the important role that charter schools have and will continue to have in the public education system.

The new digital ads for the TPCSA Think Big campaign can be found here on a new website located at www.HoustonThinkBig.org.

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