District Profile

Mission Consolidated Independent School District consists of roughly 41 square miles tucked along the Texas/Mexico border in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.  We serve over 15,500 students in the city of Mission and the neighboring communities of Alton and Palmhurst.  The district employs over 2,000 people.

Mission CISD has two 4A high schools, four junior high schools, 14 elementary schools and an alternative campus to serve students considered to be at risk.  Our school year generally begins around mid-August and runs through the month of May.

We have a proud tradition of excellence that continues today.  Several campuses have been National Title One winners.  Statewide media and education watch groups have honored several campuses each year, ranking them with the best in the state.  Our educational leaders have also become sought-after resources by educators from across the nation.  All of this with a student population that traditionally struggles in many areas of the state.  Ninety-seven percent of our student population is Hispanic. 

Students have the opportunity to enroll in a challenging and rigorous curriculum through the Advanced Placement (AP) program.  The district offers Pre-AP and AP courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Spanish in grades 7-12.  Qualifying high school seniors can also begin earning college credit through concurrent enrollment courses with the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College.  A Newcomers program for grades 3-6 offers students new to this country the specialized curriculum they need to help them succeed in junior high and high school. 

Community support for Mission CISD schools is not only evident during football season, but also in our schools on a daily basis.  Parental involvement and support plays a major role in student success.  Local businesses go beyond donating money or student incentives; they are also an invaluable source used in curriculum enhancement. Voter support in at $58 million bond issue election in May 2008 will bring campus improvements to each of our schools over the next few years. Overwhelming voter support in a $57 million bond issue election in May 2006 is helping Mission CISD continue to keep pace with student population growth. The new Escobar/Rios Elementary School and R. Cantu Jr. High School officially open for the 2008-2009 school year. Other projects slated for the money include renovations to four elementary schools and Mission High School, new air-conditioning systems for one elementary and one junior high, and the addition of performing arts facilities for each of our two high schools.