Education at all levels is a priority for Brownsville citizens. One of the most compelling concerns of relocating families with school-age children is the quality of education in the area they are moving to. Brownsville's schools system, public, private and vocational is committed to meet and exceed the standards of the most discerning parents. The expansion and development in the educational system has been phenomenal and continues to grow. Special programs for all levels with joint community and school involvement give unprecedented advantages to all our school-aged children.

Brownsville Independent School District
The Brownsville Independent School District, encompassing 95 square miles, is the largest employer in the Rio Grande Valley. Approximately 6,606 employees have accepted the challenge of serving a population of over 48,468 students at 50 schools. BISD recognizes and addresses the unique cultural lifestyle of South Texas with a broad selection of activities and programs for all students.

Brownsville ISD has targeted five vital areas of interest to match the approaching needs of the 21st Century. The district is proud to have developed a magnet school for each discipline, from within the district's five high school campuses. The magnet schools all feature the "school within a school concept." This allows for specialization, as well as, a fully rounded high school experience. Gladys Porter High School is home to the High School for Engineering Professions. Homer Hanna High School is home of the Tech Med Magnet Program for Medical and Health Professions. Lopez High School houses the district's Fine Arts Academy, James Pace High School has a Criminal Justice Magnet School and Simon Rivera High School hosts the International Business Magnet School.

There is pride in the progress BISD has made in recent years with regard to state-mandated testing. The district has shown a steady rate of improvement in the mastery percentage of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Better scores have translated into more seniors fulfilling degree requirements and completing their basic education with a high school diploma.

All BISD secondary schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The district is also rated “Accredited by the Texas Education Agency.  Seventeen schools were “Recognized” in the 2005 state accountability system.

UTB/TSC University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

Located 20 miles from South Padre Island and one block from the US-Mexico border; The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College is one of the fastest-growing institutions in the UT System, with an enrollment of approximately 11,000.

The students participate in a variety of campus life activities – such as student clubs, intramural sports and social events – while still taking advantage of the small class sizes and courses taught by experienced professors.  UTB/TSC offers one-year certificates, associate, bachelors’ and master’s degrees, as well as cooperative programs with universities where students can earn doctorial degrees. 

The NASA Center for Gravitational Wave and Astronomy is one of UTB/TSC’s shining stars.  Located in the department of physics and astronomy, the lab gives students a chance to be a part of international research.  UTB/TSC is also known for producing excellent teachers, where the student passing rate on the Texas teacher certification exam is 94%.  The campus is also home to the largest Criminal Justice program in south Texas.

The recently opened student housing complex offers spacious rooms and many other amenities students enjoy such as computer labs, exercise rooms and a swimming pool -  all located right on campus.

And while the campus is growing, it is keeping its unique historical charm.  UTB/TSC is located on the grounds of Fort Brown, which served as an outpost for the US Army for almost 100 years prior to its closing after WWII.  The institution’s administration is housed in the former hospital, morgue, and officers’ quarters to name a few prominent buildings.  Care is being taken with new construction to capture historic elements.

With its location on the US-Mexico border, UTB/TSC offers a wonderful cultural experience as well.  Students completing their bachelor’s degree at our institution may choose to earn a bilingual certification in their field, which will open the doors to many careers. 

UTB/TSC is one of the best values in the UT System with its low tuition & fees.  Financial aid and scholarship funds are available, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Students may apply for admission, check their financial aid status, register for classes and much more with Scorpion Online, which is located at:  www.utb.edu.

Students and their families are also invited to campus for a closer look.  To schedule a personalized tour, call the Office of New Student Relations at 1-800-UTB-TSC1.

Additional Education
Brownsville has an array of vocational and occupational programs offered by various local and valley schools.  Students may enroll in computer accounting, bookkeeping, data/computer entry, clerk typist, and general and medical or legal office clerk programs. A Certificate of Approval by the Texas Education Agency is obtained upon completion of the 6-11 month programs.

UTB/ TSC also offers a wide variety of occupational technical training programs that prepare students for careers that have high income potential and opportunities for career advancement. These programs also offer special training in non-traditional careers for men and women. Students can enroll in programs such as electronics, drafting, automobile technology, construction, and vocational nursing and secretarial sciences.

Private Schools
Brownsville also has a number of private schools at both the elementary and secondary levels. They each follow a curriculum that builds on their school's philosophy. The majority of these private schools offer an array of both academic and extracurricular activities.

Continuing Education
If you are interested in gaining an additional academic degree, exploring a new aspect of a current job or keeping up with new currents in a chosen field, Brownsville’s colleges and universities have programs for you.