Elementary Experience

SEAL Program

All second-grade students learn how to swim in our district’s aquatic facility. HCISD is committed to providing water safety education in a loving, fun, and positively reinforced environment through the Safely Educating Aquatic Learners (SEAL) program.

THE ELEMENTARY EXPERIENCE

Pre-K3 through 5th grade

Our unique partnership with Headstart NINOS, Inc. allows us to educate students as young as 3-years-old! Engaging parents as partners every step of the way, our services help our youngest learners succeed in school.

Modernized Learning Spaces

All elementary classrooms have modernized furniture and technology. Our learning spaces help students focus on creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Tennis and First Tee Program

All HCISD third-grade students have the opportunity to learn how to play golf and tennis. Along with the great exercise these sports provide, students develop valuable skills of responsibility, discipline, perseverance, problem-solving, and mental strength.

Little Innovators

Under the guidance of their teachers, fifth-grade students design and develop ideas and concepts before a panel of Harlingen business professionals. Our full-day model for Pre-K4 prepares children to do their best in their education by nurturing and fostering a lifelong desire to learn. This is available for all students at our 17 elementary schools. Because of our commitment to early childhood literacy, HCISD’s Kinder Readiness rate is 34 percent above the state average.

Robotics

HCISD offers a highly interactive robotics program at every campus. This program allows for the development of skills and interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Two teams have advanced to the World Championships.

GROW Gardening

HCISD fourth-grade students are learning the fundamentals of nutrition and health. Throughout the year, these students learn how to garden and grow their very own fresh vegetables.

Chess

Research shows that children who play chess can score higher on standardized testing and have a more highly developed visual memory. At HCISD, students can begin learning the fundamentals of chess as early as Pre-K.

Blue Ribbon School

HCISD is proud to have Dishman Elementary represent Harlingen CISD as a Blue Ribbon School. This recognition is considered one of the highest in the country, as it reflects the committment to excellence by the students, families, and staff. HCISD’s Dual Language Academy is based on a bilingual education model where English and native Spanish speaking students work together and learn in two languages. By the end of the fifth-grade, enrolled students will be academically at grade level and equally proficient in English and Spanish. This program is offered at Lamar, Lee Means, Ben Milam, and Wilson Elementary.

College Readiness

By planting the seed at an early age, HCISD helps students envision a bright, successful future and creates the mindset that anyone can go to college.

International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools

Austin and Sam Houston Elementary are International Baccalaureate World Schools. The campuses offer a multilingual approach and rigorous curriculum focused on developing active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others.

Apple Distinguished School

Zavala Elementary is proud to be one of only ten schools in the state of Texas to earn this designation. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use technology to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

STEM-Focused

Powered by our partnership with Discovery Education, a STEM-focused education is now offered at Rodriguez and Travis Elementary.

Sensory Rooms

HCISD’s sensory rooms serve as therapeutic spaces for children. The rooms allow students to use their energy in a calming environment.

Dyslexia Services

Five to 10 percent of our nation’s children are dyslexic. HCISD tests students early to identify their learning needs and provides services to them throughout their educational journey.

Lee Means Fine Arts Academy

Embedded in the unique and vertically aligned curriculum, students attending this campus explore their creative talent through opportunities in dance, music, visual arts, and theater. Fine Arts Academy learners also have access to after-school enrichment opportunities free of charge.