STISD is consistently ranked among the best in the state and nation.
STISD is the only all-magnet school district in the state, and offers Valley students an educational alternative. The district provides a personal environment, a strong scholastic program and hands-on training in vocational career fields.
Because STISD is a public school district, there is no cost for students to attend one of its seven campuses, and bus transportation is also free of charge.
STISD schools maintain an open enrollment policy, meaning any student that wants to attend one of our seven campuses can as long as he or she resides within the tri-county area we serve.
At STISD, meet curious, collaborative and driven students just like you.
At STISD, there's more to experience than solely academics. Explore what life is like as an STISD student, and be part of the many extracurricular competitive activities and social clubs.
STISD seeks to employ individuals who are committed to serving students and our communities, and can help advance our goals of consistently learning and always innovating.
By being employed at STISD, one gains the opportunity and the responsibility to make a difference within the world of education and student growth.
The community here at STISD is diverse, interactive and vibrant. We take pride in each and every position that plays a part in making our district unique and consistently ranked among the best in the state and nation.
If you are looking for spunk and excitement and non-traditional methods of learning, the STISD community is the perfect match and offers endless opportunities.
Welcome to Volume IV of South Texas ISD’s Career and Postsecondary Readiness Newsletter for 2025–2026!
We’re excited to keep the momentum going with fresh updates, useful resources, and new opportunities to help every student stay on track toward college, career, and beyond.
The South Texas Independent School District (STISD) Board of Trustees, at its April 7 meeting, named Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa, from Edcouch Elsa ISD, as finalist for superintendent. By law, the Board must now wait 21 days before voting to hire Ochoa to be the new superintendent for South Texas ISD. Ochoa is slated to be the successor to superintendent Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., who is retiring on May 31 of this year.
STISD families are invited to attend “Growing Together,” a parent conference on autism taking place April 25, 2026, in Mercedes. The event will offer practical strategies, community resources, and opportunities to connect with other families and support organizations.
Student registration is required each year for all new and returning students. This year’s process will be completed electronically through Skyward, our student information system. The packets are now available, and parents are asked to complete those at their earliest convenience.
STISD is pleased to announce five of its campuses have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools for the 2026-2029 program term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.
The campuses designated for this program term include South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg.
Our middle school students from STISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and high school students from STISD Health Professions and STISD Science Academy, both in Mercedes competed at the Texas Chess Association Super State Championship in Austin, March 7-8.
From Champion and Co-Champion titles to multiple Top 20 individual finishes, our students represented our district with excellence with all teams qualifying for Nationals. Both high school teams will compete this March in Chicago, with our middle school teams set to compete in May in Round Rock.
South Texas Independent School District (STISD) is proud to announce its selection as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT). This esteemed recognition celebrates districts across Texas that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success through high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
College Board has recognized three STISD high schools for outstanding achievement in Advanced Placement coursework, naming them to the 2025 Advanced Placement® (AP®) School Honor Roll.
The honored campuses are STISD Science Academy in Mercedes, STISD Health Professions in Mercedes, and STISD Medical Professions in Olmito—each recognized for delivering strong academic results while expanding access to rigorous college-level coursework.
Educational Results Partnership (ERP) has released its 2025 Texas Honor Roll, recognizing the state’s highest-performing schools and districts. STISD earned a place on the Honor Roll Districts list, while four STISD campuses were named to the Honor Roll Schools list.
You're invited to join STISD for a Parent Wellness Seminar/Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, March 11, where PALMS Behavioral Health will share valuable information about adolescent mental health resources in our community.
Welcome to Volume III of South Texas ISD’s Career and Postsecondary Readiness Newsletter for 2025–2026!
We’re excited to keep the momentum going with fresh updates, useful resources, and new opportunities to help every student stay on track toward college, career, and beyond.
STISD will open enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
Enrollment forms must be completed online at www.stisd.net. STISD is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public school district, and students residing in Cameron, Hidalgo or Willacy counties are eligible to enroll.
STISD offers families an innovative educational option through seven magnet schools across the Rio Grande Valley: two middle schools, four high schools, and one virtual campus serving both middle and high school students.
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