Texas Border Business
MERCEDES, Texas — South Texas Independent School District (STISD) will open enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
Enrollment forms must be completed online at www.stisd.net. STISD is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public school district, and students residing in Cameron, Hidalgo or Willacy counties are eligible to enroll.
Recognized at both the state and national levels, STISD offers families an innovative educational option through seven magnet schools across the Rio Grande Valley: two middle schools, four high schools, and one virtual campus serving both middle and high school students.
Middle Schools (Grades 6–8)
STISD’s middle school campuses provide accelerated, above-grade-level coursework and opportunities for students to earn high school credit:
- STISD Preparatory Academy – Edinburg
- STISD Rising Scholars Academy – San Benito
Students are prepared for advanced academic pathways leading into one of STISD’s magnet high schools.
High Schools (Grades 9–12)
STISD high schools emphasize college, career, and life readiness through rigorous academics, career and technical education (CTE), hands-on learning, and industry-based certifications. Students may also earn college credit through partnerships with institutions such as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), South Texas College (STC), and Texas State Technical College (TSTC).
- South Texas ISD Health Professions – Mercedes
Focuses on health-related careers, offering students hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, pharmacies and dental settings, with additional opportunities in veterinary environments.
- South Texas ISD Medical Professions – Olmito
Emphasizes careers in medicine, providing students hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, pharmacies and dental settings. - South Texas ISD Science Academy – Mercedes
Specializes in math, science, and engineering pathways. The campus partners with Project Lead the Way and offers a Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program, allowing students to earn college credit and industry credentials aligned with workforce needs.
- South Texas ISD World Scholars – Edinburg
Offers seven CTE programs across four career clusters, including Law and Public Service; Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications; Business, Marketing and Finance; and Information Technology. World Scholars is one of the few International Baccalaureate (IB) campuses in the Rio Grande Valley, providing students opportunities to earn an IB diploma. Students can also get a head start on college by earning college credit while still in high school through partnerships with institutions of higher education including STC and UTRGV.
Virtual Campus (Grades 6–12)
- South Texas ISD Virtual Academy
The Virtual Academy offers fully online instruction with certified teachers, small-group learning, and individualized support. Students complete coursework 100 percent virtually while still having access to extracurricular activities, including athletics. The campus offers CTE courses and an all-virtual associate degree option through STC.
Enrollment Information
All campuses will begin accepting enrollment forms at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. While seat reservation requests cannot be submitted before that time, families are encouraged to prepare by creating a Family/Student Profile in advance.
Preparatory Academy and Rising Scholars Academy: Students entering grades 6–8 in August 2026
Health Professions, Medical Professions, Science Academy and World Scholars: Students entering grades 9–11 in August 2026
Virtual Academy: Students entering grades 6–12 in August 2026
As a public school district, STISD charges no tuition, and free bus transportation is provided. The district and its campuses consistently rank among the best in Texas and the nation, including recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Niche. In the 2026 Niche Best K–12 School Rankings, STISD ranked second in Texas and 59th nationally.
For more information, visit www.stisd.net or call (956) 565-2454.
