Brownsville Learning Academy: An Alternative Path to Education
Brownsville Learning Academy (BLA) stands as an alternative education program within the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD), offering a unique approach to secondary education for students in grades 6-12. Created on October 30, 2015, the academy is designed for students who may benefit from an individualized, self-paced learning environment.
BISD Commitment to Inclusivity
BISD is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment, ensuring that all services, programs, and activities are offered without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, or genetic information. BISD operates under a non-partisan approach, refraining from endorsing any political candidates or movements, and ensures that any representation of elected officials on its platforms is incidental. The district also adheres to Title IX regulations and provides training to its personnel to promote compliance and support for students and staff.
Academy Philosophy and Overview
The Brownsville Learning Academy embraces a philosophy centered on individualized instruction and counseling, aiming to support students in completing their secondary education. The academy offers a competency-based learning system, providing a school of choice for students experiencing difficulties in a traditional secondary setting.
BLA is designed to serve students in grades 6 through 12 who are self-disciplined, strongly motivated, and committed to furthering their education in a self-paced environment. Academy students progress at their own rate under the guidance of highly-qualified teachers, a social worker, counselors, and support staff. Academy students are expected to meet BISD graduation requirements. Students meeting graduation requirements will participate in the graduation ceremony of their home campus.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for enrollment in the Brownsville Learning Academy, students must meet specific criteria:
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- Over-aged students, in or going to be in grades 6-8 starting the school year.
- Students should be 3 or more years older than their peers as on September 1st and who may not have passed all parts of the STAAR/EOC exams (Reading/ELA or Math).
- Candidates for the Graduation Cohort and below who do not graduate by the August Graduation Ceremony. Must have been notified in writing by the sending campus staff (documentation on file required)
- No SPED students or anyone who has been exited from SPED within the last 12 months.
- Walk-ins on a case by case basis.
Academy Expectations: The 3 A's
The Brownsville Learning Academy is centered around the 3 A’s… Academics, Attendance, and Attitude. Students who do not respect these three principles will be returned to their home campus at the end of the semester.
Academics
The Brownsville Learning Academy offers all required courses at both middle school and high school levels. Students are required to gain a specified number of credits each semester in order to remain at the Academy. Students receive course credit when the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills are mastered at a minimum of 70%. At the end of each semester, a student who has achieved grade level may choose to stay at the Academy or return to his/her home campus.
Attendance
Because all work must be completed at the Academy, success depends upon the student’s promptness and regular attendance. Students are expected to be in attendance every day. Students or parents are expected to call (prior to the beginning of class) if the student will be tardy or absent. Absences from class will be followed up by members of the Academy’s professional staff on a daily basis.
Attitude
Students are expected to follow the rules of the Academy and comply with the Brownsville ISD Student Code of Conduct.
Student Achievement
Our campus goal is to increase student attendance and achievement, by challenging all students with high expectations. Our goal is to provide support services as needed to our students who are having difficulty meeting the attendance and academic goals. Current research shows that student achievement is directly linked to student attendance.
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Resources and Support
By supporting Brownsville Learning Academy High School on DonorsChoose, you make it possible for teachers to request the specific resources their students need most. At Equity Focus Schools, students have limited access to resources and learning materials. Ms. Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Every donation funds real needs - pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more - helping students learn and thrive. Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
School Profile and Demographics
Brownsville Learning Academy is a public school located in Brownsville, TX, which is in a mid-size city setting. The student population of Brownsville Learning Academy is unavailable and the school serves 6-12. There are 11 equivalent full-time teachers and 1 full-time school counselor.
Staffing and Ratios
- Full-time teachers: 11
- Percentage of full-time teachers who are certified: 100%
- Student-teacher ratio: N/A
- Number of full-time school counselors: 1
Student Demographics
Not Specified100.0%Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.Not Specified100.0%Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.
Test Scores
At Brownsville Learning Academy, data for student performance in math and reading is unavailable.
CTE Partnership
Combining with CTE classes to provide work-ready experiences for our students, the number of students continues to grow. Working in partnership with the CTE Department, all the secondary principals and TEA, we have been able to unite a high school with certifications which will open doors for our students into both the working world and the world of higher education.
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