IDEA Public Schools is a growing network of tuition-free K-12 public schools serving nearly 23,000 students in 44 schools across Texas (San Antonio, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley). With a track record of success including top-ranked high school by US News & World Report and The Washington Post, 100% college acceptance, and a college graduation rate five times the national average for low-income students, IDEA is proving that college is possible for all children. IDEA Public Schools was founded as an after school program in Donna, Texas, in 1998 by Tom Torkelson and JoAnn Gama, Teach for America alumni. It was created as a way to help combat some of the major educational deficiencies they saw in their students, focusing the program on student achievement and college readiness. Named IDEA as an acronym for "Individuals Dedicated to Excellence and Achievement", and using as a motto “No Excuses!”, the program saw quick success, and the state granted a charter to IDEA in 2000. IDEA has grown substantially over the years and demonstrated incredible results and student gains. Our students are performing at top levels on rigorous exams such as those that are part of the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. IDEA Public Schools was among 2% of schools nationwide to be placed on the AP District Honor Roll for the 2012-2013 school year and three of our high schools are ranked in the top 1% of Public High Schools in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. IDEA Public Schools was awarded $31.1 million in 2012 by the US Department of Education as part of the Race to the Top District Competition. IDEA was one of two school districts in Texas to win this prestigious award. IDEA is passionate about recruiting and retaining the best talent to work with our students to help them reach their highest potential. We offer extensive professional development and coaching to our staff members. www.ideapublicschools.org.