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To discover why Pearland Independent School District ranks among the fastest-growing school districts in Texas, one has only to look at its challenging curriculum, exciting academic and extracurricular opportunities and supportive community. All combine to attract new students and to create a thriving district of 21 campuses that tips 17,094 in enrollment.

No stranger to growth, Pearland ISD opened its 10th and 11th elementary schools and its fourth middle school in 2007. This fall it will welcome its fourth junior high, and in 2009, a permanent home for its second high school, Glenda Dawson High School. In addition to these campuses, the district offers the Alternative Instructional Multiplex to accommodate other academic needs. Current district enrollment includes 48.5 percent Anglo, 24.8 percent Hispanic, 16.9 percent African-American, 9.6 percent Asian and 0.2 percent other ethnicities.

Academically, Pearland ISD students are soaring. Texas Monthly recently ranked Rustic Oak and Silvercrest elementary schools, Pearland Junior High South and the former Ninth Grade Center among the top public schools in the state in 2006-07. Students at these schools performed exceptionally well on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

Pearland ISD continues to explore ways to increase academic rigor for all grade levels. In 2005, the district began investigating the International Baccalaureate Programme and currently has one IB candidate school: Massey Ranch Elementary. Recognized internationally for strenuous curriculum that encourages student responsibility for learning and achieving, IB promotes holistic, inquiry-based learning, intercultural awareness and social, intellectual, personal and emotional development. Though Massey Ranch is pioneering the candidacy process, several other Pearland schools at all grade levels have begun teacher training in IB philosophy and pedagogy. Through ongoing staff training and curriculum development, district administrators hope to expand and develop IB for all grades.

In traditional programs, Pearland ISD’s diverse curriculum stresses fine arts, language arts, math, science, physical education and social studies. Counseling and diagnostic services ensure that students are placed in the best atmosphere for their individual maturation and learning. Students regularly earn regional, state and national recognition through academic decathlon, band, choir, career and technology, drill team, literary and athletic competitions.

Poised to double in enrollment within the next few years, Pearland ISD faces unparalleled growth and challenges. With this growth comes teachers’, administrators’ and trustees’ renewed commitment to maintain the highest educational expectations. A devoted board of trustees establishes the district’s policies, which administrators implement. Both groups -- supported by parents, community members and local businesses and organizations -- partner to lead the district into the future. Together, the community and district leaders provide a solid foundation for success, and students continue to grow and excel in the greatest learning environment possible.