Three STISD high schools recognized on 2025 AP School Honor Roll

Picture above: STISD campus principals were honored for their campus’ achievements. Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent of Schools; Eric Gutierrez, STISD Science Academy principal; Dr. Michele Guajardo, Health Professions principal; Jose Lucio, Medical Professions principal; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President. Photo courtesy of STISD Communications.

Education News, South Texas ISD News, Advanced Placement

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX – Three South Texas Independent School District high schools have been recognized by the College Board on the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll for their performance and participation in college-level coursework. South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes earned Platinum distinction and the AP Access Award, while South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes and South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito received Gold recognition.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose Advanced Placement programs support student success in college-level coursework, promote college readiness and expand access to AP classes. Schools are recognized annually at Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels based on student participation and exam performance. Some campuses also receive the AP Access Award when participation in AP courses reflects the demographics of the student population.

Campus achievements

Science Academy earned the program’s highest recognition, Platinum, and received the AP Access Award. According to the district, 98 percent of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP exam during high school, 61 percent earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one exam, and 50 percent completed five or more AP exams.

Health Professions and Medical Professions both earned Gold-level recognition for their participation and performance in AP coursework.

At Health Professions, 100 percent of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP exam. The district reported that 46 percent earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one exam and 27 percent completed five or more AP exams.

Medical Professions also reported 100 percent AP exam participation among seniors. The district said 44 percent of students earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one exam and 48 percent took five or more AP exams.

District leadership

South Texas ISD Superintendent Dr. Marco Antonio Lara Jr. said the recognition reflects the efforts of students and educators across the district.

“This recognition is a powerful reflection of the hard work happening every day across our campuses,” Lara said. “Our goal is to ensure every student has access to the academic challenges that prepare them for college and future careers.”

“Seeing our schools achieve at this level—while expanding access and participation—is something our entire district can be proud of,” he added.

District overview

South Texas ISD operates four magnet high schools: South Texas ISD Health Professions and South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg.

The district also includes two middle schools, South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, as well as South Texas ISD Virtual Academy serving grades 6 through 12.

All campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.

Source — South Texas Independent School District.