Landmarks

In education, academic success is marked by performance on required testing. ResponsiveEd experienced phenomenal success in the 2008-09 school year. Our schools achieved the state’s highest ratings on our campuses designed for alternative education status. On our elementary and high school campuses designed for standard education status, our campuses received “Exemplary” or “Recognized” ratings, identifying ResponsiveEd as one of the most successful charter school systems in Texas and among the most successful of any school system statewide.

As a system accredited by the Texas Education Agency, we surpassed our goals as our students performed exceptionally on all state-mandated testing, and we saw a huge increase in our number of graduates. Beyond that, as one of the few charter school systems accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, our family of schools far exceeded the standard and created a greater definition of excellence and quality. This landmark year provides a true measure of progress on our journey.

Yet, we are careful to remind ourselves that test scores are not what makes a ResponsiveEd campus “exemplary”. It is important and necessary to view statistics, measure performance and make decisions based on data. It is good to know how we are doing as an educational entity designed to ensure effective learning. An education is so much more than numbers, though. Yes, we do test. And, when we do, our students and campuses test well. But for us, exemplary campuses do more than that.

What is an “exemplary” campus to us? The World English Dictionary describes exemplary as “setting an example so admirable that others would do well to copy it.” We like that definition. We believe our campuses set an example. Did we meet and exceed academic standards last year? Yes. But a ResponsiveEd campus sets an example far beyond testing. Our teachers and students continue to confirm that for us. We believe this is education as education was meant to be.

In our first year, 65 students walked across a stage to receive their high school diplomas. This past year, that number rose to 851. As students move beyond high school to make their own way, we understand the growing urgency to ensure that they have the best possible opportunities in life. As part of this life in the new century, the greatest opportunities are afforded those with a solid education. ResponsiveEd continues to provide more students each year with that education. Over the past ten years, more than 4,200 students have been equipped with an education that opens doors and affords a better life as they take their place in our society.

ResponsiveEd exists for one inarguable reason: options. As the number of students statewide grows, more and more parents and students are wanting to choose where and how they are educated. Though schools may come and go, ResponsiveEd campuses, specifically in this past year, are defined and identified by increasing numbers and waiting lists. While adhering to our core value to stay “small by design” in our classrooms, we experienced this past year an explosion of growth in our enrollment. People, having discovered ResponsiveEd, are affirming our belief that quality education will be recognized and sought after as the choice among parents and students.