Students in Fort Worth ISD began their 2022-2023 school year Monday. The district has grown to more than 75,000 students.
Mayor Mattie Parker, Superintendent Kent Scribner and Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes were among those greeting students at Tarrant County College South, where Fort Worth ISD's Collegiate High School is located.
"We're very excited to get this school year off to a great start," said Superintendent Kent Scribner. "Many of our students are graduating with college credit, some with an associate's degree."
"I would tell you early college high school is truly the best return on investment for both parents and students," said Mayor Mattie Parker. "These kids graduate from Tarrant County with an associate's degree to go on to college or career, whatever they want to do next. Importantly, it's helping kids really make a connection between K-12 and post-secondary I think has been lacking in some environments. This is the best example going."
Students said they were glad to have time off this summer, but many said they are excited to get back to class. One senior said she hopes to become a teacher, saying the pandemic showed her the importance of establishing a connection between teachers and students.
"This school is really fun. It's not as hard as you expect it to be," she said. "You know how they're like, 'College is going to be extremely hard?' No, you just have to do your work, make sure you understand and listen to your teachers. They help you out as much as possible."
The Texas Education Agency has increased Fort Worth ISD's accountability rating 14 points since 2017, increasing three letter grades to a "B" this year. Scribner became superintendent of Fort Worth ISD in 2015, but he plans to retire at the end of August.
"We're on an upward trajectory, and I'm confident the next leader will be able to take us to be a letter grade 'A' school district," Scribner said.
Mayor Parker said the early college high school can help kids graduate high school with a two-year degree debt free and be better prepared for a career or four-year school.
"These students are incredible, and they're really capable of so many things," Mayor Parker said. "It's really our duty as adults to make sure they rise to those expectations and help them really achieve their dreams."
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