Texas Border Business
MERCEDES, Texas – College Board has recognized three high schools in South Texas Independent School District (STISD) for outstanding achievement in Advanced Placement coursework, naming them to the 2025 Advanced Placement® (AP®) School Honor Roll.
The honored campuses are South Texas ISD Science Academy (Science Academy) in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Health Professions (Health Professions) in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD Medical Professions (Medical Professions) in Olmito—each recognized for delivering strong academic results while expanding access to rigorous college-level coursework.
The AP School Honor Roll celebrates schools whose AP programs help students succeed academically, earn college credit, and build a strong foundation for college readiness. Schools earn recognition annually across four levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—based on student participation and performance. Schools may also receive the AP Access Award for ensuring AP participation reflects their overall student demographics.
Science Academy earned the highest distinction possible, Platinum, and was also awarded the AP Access Award. At Science Academy, 98 percent of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP Exam during high school, 61 percent earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam, and half took five or more AP Exams.
Health Professions and Medical Professions both earned Gold level distinction for their strong AP participation and performance.
At Health Professions, 100 percent of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP Exam, 46 percent earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one exam, and 27 percent completed five or more AP Exams during high school.
Medical Professions also achieved 100 percent AP participation among the Class of 2025, with 44 percent earning a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam and 48 percent taking five or more AP Exams.
STISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr. praised the campuses for their dedication to student achievement and opportunity. “This recognition is a powerful reflection of the hard work happening every day across our campuses,” Lara said. “Our goal is to ensure every student has access to the academic challenges that prepare them for college and future careers. Seeing our schools achieve at this level—while expanding access and participation—is something our entire district can be proud of.”
STISD is comprised of four magnet high schools – South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg – as well as two middle schools – South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, and one stand-alone virtual campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, which serves students in grades 6-12. All campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties. For more information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.
