MISSION, TEXAS (September 1, 2026) - At Mission Collegiate High School, academic success begins with an expectation that students are capable of more.
That belief has helped shape a campus culture where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, teachers provide the support needed to succeed, and rigorous coursework is part of the everyday high school experience.
One result of that culture can be seen in the 63 Mission Collegiate students who earned College Board AP Scholar recognition following the 2025-2026 school year.
Of those students, 47 were named AP Scholars, four earned AP Scholar with Honor recognition and 12 were named AP Scholars with Distinction.
A Culture Built on High Expectations
For Dr. Iris Gonzalez, dean of instruction at Mission Collegiate, the achievement reflects something that has been intentionally built over time.
“This campus was built on a strong foundation shaped by high expectations and a commitment to changing the trajectory of at-risk and economically disadvantaged students,” Gonzalez said. “This kind of success doesn’t happen by chance.”
The 63 students represent approximately 15% of Mission Collegiate’s student population, an accomplishment Gonzalez said speaks to the work of students and the belief teachers and staff have in what they are capable of achieving.
Principal Ana Lisa Flores said those expectations go beyond simply encouraging students to enroll in difficult courses.
“We don't want students simply enrolled in AP courses; we want them to be successful,” Flores said. The campus provides strong instruction, tutorials and academic support while monitoring students’ progress throughout the year.
Small Campus, Personal Support
Mission Collegiate’s smaller size is also an important part of that academic culture. “Our size is one of our greatest strengths,” Flores said. “Students are not just a number here. We know them, we know their goals, and we work together to help them succeed.” Students see that difference firsthand.
Aeryn Bautista, who has taken every AP course offered at the school and challenged 12 AP exams, said the smaller environment makes support from teachers and peers easily accessible. “At Mission Collegiate, I never have to worry about being just another number,” Bautista said.
Senior Jonathan Moreno has passed 11 AP exams while also pursuing dual-enrollment coursework. He said AP courses have helped prepare him for college and exposed him to subjects he may not otherwise have explored. The experience ultimately helped him identify chemical engineering as the field he wants to pursue.
Teachers reinforce that culture through tutoring, review sessions, individualized instruction and opportunities for students to tackle challenging material in different ways.
AP Spanish teacher Martha Pineda said advanced coursework can also help students recognize abilities they already possess as academic strengths. For Spanish-speaking students, she said AP Spanish can turn their native language into an area of expertise while building confidence to take on other academic challenges.
Most importantly, she said, it shows students “sí se puede.”
Achievement at Multiple Levels
AP Scholar recognition is awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
AP Scholar with Honor recognizes students who earn an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. AP Scholar with Distinction recognizes students who earn an average score of at least 3.5 across their AP Exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
At Mission Collegiate, the resulting 47 AP Scholars, four AP Scholars with Honor and 12 AP Scholars with Distinction provide one measure of a larger academic culture.
Students also have opportunities to combine AP coursework with dual-credit classes, earn college hours and work toward an associate degree while still in high school.
“The majority of our students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and many come to us believing they are capable of more. They simply need the right opportunities, support, and encouragement to get there,” Gonzalez said.
At Mission Collegiate, those opportunities, combined with high expectations, strong relationships and student motivation, are helping turn that belief into achievement.