Every School Has a Story

Every day, in each Challenge Network middle school, students are being challenged to become "smarter and stronger" in their quest for a successful future.

How? A+ Coaches are working alongside their teachers, content coaches and school leaders to elevate instructional rigor and improve student engagement in their own learning.

Why? Research shows that in order to have a chance at success in college, career, and life, middle school students need to get on a higher track NOW -- or they're at great risk for dropping out in high school or graduating unprepared to do entry level work in college or business.

Student demographics and test scores can begin to paint a picture of where these schools are now. But meeting the teachers, school leaders, families and the A+ Scholars themselves will help bring this initiative to life.

Meet Christopher Perez
Take five minutes to meet Christopher, a so-called "average" student in Aldine ISD who is benefiting from personalized attention, extra time on task, academic enrichment and social-emotional support.

A+ Scholars Practice Teamwork at Campout
Houston A+ regularly takes a group of students from our Challenge Network campuses on outdoor adventure weekends. Find out what these students learn, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Reaching "The Forgotten Middle" Through Math
Challenge Network coaches and teachers use hands-on, active, engaging activities to spur deeper thinking and clearer understanding of the math principles that lie beneath any standardized test question.

Helping Students Fall in Love with Reading
Learn how one 5th grade teacher helped her bilingual students develop a love of reading, by helping them choose authentic, engaging books that are "just right" for them.