IDEA Boasts Sixth Year of 100 Percent College Acceptance

Several Accepted to Prestigious and Highly-Selective Universities

RIO GRANDE VALLEY (May 3) – IDEA Public Schools announced on Monday that their 2012 graduates received 764 college acceptances to 128 schools in 28 states and 3 countries. On average, each IDEA Senior received nearly 4 college acceptances. Moreover, IDEA Seniors have received a cumulative $8.9 million in scholarships awards.

This is the sixth year in a row that 100 percent of IDEA Public Schools seniors have been accepted to the colleges of their choice. IDEA’s mission of “College For All” is instilled in students from the first day of class.

Acceptances range from local and state schools like the University of Texas-Pan American and the University of Texas at Austin to prestigious and highly-selective schools like University of Pennsylvania and Boston University.

Graciela Rodriguez, accepted to University of Pennsylvania, Boston University and Brown, all with significant scholarship awards, will be a first generation college attendee. “When I received my acceptance letters, I couldn’t believe it,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve been working really hard for four years and to see in writing that my hard work has paid off was an incredible moment for me and my family. I’m so grateful to have such amazing options that it’s a dream come true. ”

Part of the IDEA Public Schools model is to coach students and families through the college application process. Additionally, all high school students are taken on “College Field Lessons” across the country to learn about schools in different areas.

“I didn’t know what size school would be the right fit for me,” said Mitzi Perez, Senior from IDEA Quest. “IDEA took us on college field lessons across the country so we could see all schools-big and small. I visited Baylor University, Iowa University and the University of Texas at Austin and now I know where I belong.”

To culminate senior year, IDEA will host its annual College Signing Day on May 29. At this event, seniors will be recognized for their multiple college acceptances and reveal their final college selection to all of the graduating classes, their teachers, administration, family and friends.

“This event is the highlight of my year,” said JoAnn Gama, Chief of Schools. “This is why we started IDEA…to see 100% of students go to college and what better way to celebrate it than with all of the people that worked to make it happen. This is bigger than graduation at IDEA, this is celebrating their bright future.”

To learn more about IDEA Public Schools or to apply for admission, visit www.ideapublicschools.org.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools is a growing network of tuition-free K-12 public charter schools serving over 9,500 students in the Rio Grande Valley and Central Texas. IDEA is committed to "College For All Children" and has sent 100% of its graduates to four-year colleges and universities. For the second year in a row, IDEA Public Schools has been rated an "Exemplary" district by the Texas Education Agency.