Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) announced that it has been named a state finalist in the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards in the Large School District category. PSJA ISD is the only district in the Rio Grande Valley to be named a finalist in this category, marking a historic milestone for the district.
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are highly competitive and rigorous, recognizing public school educators, schools, and districts across Texas that demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in serving students and their communities. Since its inception in 2002, the program has awarded nearly $15 million to educators, schools, and districts. Finalists in each category receive recognition, and winners, along with their schools, are awarded cash prizes and matching grants to further educational initiatives.
“We are deeply honored and humbled to be named a State Finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “This reflects the dedication, passion, and care our teachers, staff, and school leaders bring to every student, every day. I am truly grateful to our entire PSJA Family and our supportive community for believing in our mission and working together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
PSJA ISD serves over 29,000 students across three cities and offers rigorous academic programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its commitment to college readiness, the district boasts a high school completion rate exceeding 97 percent and features one of the only wall-to-wall Early College Programs in the state and nation. Each semester, more than 3,000 high school students enroll in college-level courses through dual and concurrent enrollment partnerships with South Texas College and other higher education institutions.
The district’s innovative programs—including Dual Language Enrichment, Early College, Early Childhood, and Dropout Recovery—help students earn college credits, become bilingual and biliterate, participate in top-notch athletics, and engage in fine arts programs. This state finalist recognition highlights PSJA ISD’s dedication to providing high-quality education and empowering students to achieve their full potential.
This state finalist recognition highlights the district’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality education and innovative programs that empower students to achieve their full potential.
For more information about the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com
