Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) is expanding college access for hundreds more students this school year, with Fall 2026 census data showing a 24% increase in dual credit enrollment compared to the previous year.
According to Fall 2026 census data, 3,505 PSJA ISD students are enrolled in college-level coursework through South Texas College (STC), an increase of 681 students from 2,824 in Fall 2025.
The significant growth reflects PSJA ISD’s continued commitment to its nationally recognized Cradle to College™ approach, which provides students with opportunities to begin earning college credit while still in high school and make meaningful progress toward a postsecondary credential or degree.
| Key Highhlights: • 24% Growth: PSJA ISD dual credit enrollment increased from 2,824 to 3,505 students in just one year. • 681 More Students: An additional 681 PSJA students are now taking college-level courses while still in high school. • Expanding College & Career Access: The growth reflects PSJA’s continued investment in Early College, P-TECH, dual credit, and college and career pathways. • A-Rated District: PSJA earned an A with a 90 in the 2026 Texas Accountability Ratings, with all 44 schools earning an A or B and • 27 campuses earning an A. • Leading Among Large Districts: PSJA is tied for the highest-rated large school district in Region One and tied for third statewide among Texas districts serving 25,000+ students. • A Model Others Can Learn From: PSJA will host its Cradle to College Conference Nov. 4-5 at the Mission Event Center, welcoming education leaders from across the region, state, and nation to learn about PSJA’s practices and pathways. |
“This growth represents 681 more students who have access to opportunities that can change the trajectory of their future,” said PSJA ISD Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “At PSJA, we believe every student deserves access to college and career opportunities. Through the commitment of our educators, counselors, campus leaders, families, and higher education partners, we continue working to remove barriers and create pathways that allow our students to get ahead.”
The increase comes as PSJA ISD continues building on historic academic performance across the district. PSJA earned an A rating with an overall score of 90 in the 2026 Texas Accountability Ratings, with all 44 campuses earning an A or B and a historic 27 campuses, more than 61% of all PSJA schools, earning an A. Five of the district’s six high schools also earned A ratings.
Based on PSJA ISD’s analysis of Texas Education Agency accountability and district enrollment data, PSJA is tied for the highest-rated large school district in Region One among districts serving more than 25,000 students and tied for third among Texas public school districts of the same size.
For district leaders, the latest dual credit growth is another indicator of the strength of PSJA’s Cradle to College™ system and its focus on pairing strong academic outcomes with opportunities that prepare students for what comes after graduation.
Growth was seen across nearly all PSJA high school programs included in the Fall census comparison. PSJA North Early College High School experienced the largest increase, growing its dual credit enrollment by 49%, from 588 students in Fall 2025 to 874 students in Fall 2026.
Other campuses also experienced significant growth, including PSJA Memorial Early College High School with a 24% increase, PSJA Southwest Early College High School with a 22% increase, PSJA Early College High School with a 19% increase, and PSJA Collegiate School of Health Professions with a 19% increase.
PSJA’s 24% increase is particularly notable when compared with the 12.67% overall dual credit enrollment growth reported by South Texas College for the same period.
The district continues to build upon its wall-to-wall Early College model while expanding Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) opportunities across the district. Through Early College High Schools, P-TECH pathways, dual credit programs, and partnerships with higher education and industry, PSJA students have opportunities to earn college credit, associate degrees, industry-based credentials, and gain career-connected experiences while still in high school.
“As we celebrate this growth, our focus remains on student success,” said Dr. Linda Uribe, Executive Officer for College Readiness. “It is not enough to simply enroll more students in college courses. We want them to succeed in those courses, earn the credit, complete their credentials, and leave PSJA prepared to continue their education or enter the workforce with a competitive advantage.”
The district will continue focusing on student progress through academic monitoring, early intervention, student check-ins, and targeted support designed to help students successfully complete their college coursework.
PSJA ISD is a State & National Model
As a proud model district for college and career readiness, PSJA ISD continues to share the practices and systems behind its Cradle to College work with educators and education leaders beyond the district.
On November 4-5, 2026, PSJA ISD will host the PSJA Cradle to College Conference at the Mission Event Center, welcoming educators and leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and the nation to learn directly from PSJA educators and leaders.
The two-day conference will provide participants with best practices, strategies, and insights from PSJA’s work to expand postsecondary opportunities, including Early College, dual credit, P-TECH, college and career pathways, and the systems of support designed to help students successfully transition from high school to postsecondary education and the workforce.
The conference reflects PSJA ISD’s continued commitment to not only expanding opportunities for its own students, but also sharing successful practices that can help strengthen educational opportunities for students in communities across Texas and beyond
