Read more: Local, Education
The faculty and administration at San Jacinto Elementary say that getting their kids prepared for high school isn't good enough.
"Our teachers took a stand this year and said our students are going to go to college. And that was an audacious claim to make," said principal Doug Curry.
It's a program called No Excuses University and it's the only one in the state of Texas. It's only been at San Jacinto for a semester, but teachers say they can already tell a difference in their students.
"One of the biggest differences is when you pull up through the parking lot and open those doors," said fourth grade teacher Daniel Matejko. "Not only are you coming to San Jacinto, but it's clear that you're walking into a No Excuses University."
The faculty of San Jacinto are completely committed to the idea that their students must go on to some form of secondary education, whether it's college or a trade school. And to do that students and teachers have signed a pledge that every student will be at least proficient in every subject...no excuses.
"The bar has been raised," said 5th grade teacher Karen Wells. " Expectations are much higher and we raise our expectations and our students perform to those expectations."
"You ask where they're going now, and they're going to college," said Matejko. "They're excited about No Excuses."
The students we spoke with seem to agree.
"I think it's a great school and this will help people learn how to respect others and help other children," said 5th grader Angela Stotts.
"Last year the kids didn't really care much about what they were doing...and I think this year they care more about their education," said 5h grader Tyler McElreath.
And that's a good thing, because Principal Curry said that even though college is a while down the road for these kids, they have to be prepared now.
