McAllen ISD is now offering a new Elementary Advanced Scholars Academy. It’s a free program dedicated to children who are ready, to grow, lead and explore.
This is an exciting new opportunity designed to inspire and challenge high-achieving students. Tailored for incoming 4th and 5th graders, this innovative program blends hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and leadership development to help students grow academically and personally.
Through engaging, real-world experiences and enriched instruction, scholars will be empowered to explore their potential, think critically, and thrive in a dynamic learning environment.
“The delivery and instruction is going to be completely different,” Academy Principal Rebecca Echazarreta said “It will be student-centered and project-based. A lot of the grading will not necessarily be a score from zero to a hundred. It can be a presentation. It can be an essay, or just an observation to see how the students are working together in a group setting or a leadership setting.”
It starts in fall 2026. The Academy will be based at McAllen ISD’s Wilson Elementary (1200 Hackberry Ave.). Echazarreta is also the principal for Wilson.
“We are not just opening the doors to a school; we are breaking ground on your future,” Echazarreta said. “In this academy, we don't just study history, we prepare you to write it. Welcome to the place where your potential meets its purpose."
The deadline for parents to apply is Friday, May 15. For more information, call Wilson Elementary at 956-971-4525 or McAllen ISD Instructional Services at 956-618-6053.
Find out more here: https://www.mcallenisd.org/page/elementary-advanced-scholars-academy.