As a part of the Long Range Facilities plan, LISD will be supplementing our exemplary comprehensive schools with Schools of Choice. For some of our students, the smaller environment and specializations that a school of choice offers is just what they need to thrive and grow.
What is a School of Choice (SOC)?
A public school offering specialized educational opportunities that utilize a non-conventional approach, designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of students throughout the LISD community in order to:
- Provide choice and equitable access for students
- Optimize varied educational opportunities for all students
- Maximize efficiency in the use of school facilities, transportation, and other capital and operational resources
Current LISD Schools of Choice Offerings
Early College High School (currently serving 9th grade)
ECHS is a partnership between Leander ISD and Austin Community College (ACC) which allows high school students to obtain their high school diploma while simultaneously earning a general studies associate degree from ACC. For more information on ECHS, click here.
*Applications for the 2023 – 2024 school year will go live in February 2023
New Hope High School (grades 11-12)
An alternative way for students to complete their high school education is through an accelerated, blended learning curriculum that is facilitated by highly qualified teachers through one-to-one, small group, and individualized instruction. For more information on NHHS, click here.
Virtual Learning Academy (grades K-8)
A remote learning opportunity for students in grades K-8 who reside in Leander ISD attendance area and satisfy criteria as established in Texas Education Code and local guidelines. For more information on Virtual Learning Academy, click here.
Possible Schools of Choice Options
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) High School
The STEM High School would serve students in grades 9-12. It would provide opportunities for students in the areas of programming and software development, cybersecurity, networking and manufacturing.
Examples:
- Dallas ISD – Science and Engineering Magnet School (SEM)
- Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute
- Tesla STEM HS
- METSA
Health Professions High School
The Health Professions High School would serve students in grades 9-12. The school provides opportunities for students in the areas of Health Science and Biomedical Sciences.
Examples:
- Northside ISD – Health Career High School
- Houston ISD – DeBakey HS for Health Professions
- Fox Tech High School Health Professions
School of Fine Arts
The School of Fine Arts would serve students in grades K-8. The school would provide students with opportunities to take specialized fine arts classes. Potential courses include the following:
- K-5: theater, voice/vocal performance, strings, dance, visual arts
- 6-8: tech theater (costuming, lighting, tech design), dance (ballet, jazz, tap), strings, visual arts, music (choral), band, music theory, composition
Examples:
Design School
The Design School will provide opportunities for students to problem solve while using the design thinking instructional model. This instructional model allows for students to learn content through a smaller learning community.
Examples:
Educator Academy
This school will service students from Early Childhood through grade 12. The school provides opportunities for students interested in the education field to attend a campus with mentoring and support opportunities.
Examples:
Mastery-Based Learning School
The Mastery-Based Learning School would serve students in grades K-5. The campus transcends grade-level boundaries with individualized content and pacing tailored to each student.
Examples:
School of Business
The School of Business would serve students in grades 9-12. The school would provide opportunities for students in the areas of accounting/finance, business management, marketing/sales and entrepreneurship. The school would offer a variety of World Languages.
Examples:
