In 1994 the Santa Gertrudis and Driscoll Independent School Districts joined together in an effort to create a bold new concept for educating high school children. Together these two districts formed a partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Today Academy operates under the leadership of SGISD and serves students from several South Texas communities.
Academy is a year-round program with a foundation in self-paced curriculum and authentic assessment. This non-traditional approach offers each student a program developed to meet individual needs and capabilities.
Since students are allowed to progress at a pace conducive to their abilities, they can master course requirements and move on to the next higher level of work. Small class size allows extensive student-teacher interaction on a day-to-day basis.
Located on the Campus of Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Classrooms are student-centered and instruction focuses on active, hands-on learning, which requires new approaches, new methodologies, and new techniques. Technology is also a central to the program, incorporating computers and Internet access into daily lessons. The Academy also offers NovaNet classes and an independent Learning Resource Center where students received individualized attention in reading, math and writing, as well as assistance on college entrance exams and career planning.
The school operates on four, nine-week attendance periods with three intercessions and one summer vacation period. Classes are ninety minutes in length on a block schedule.