When families relocate, whether across town or across the country, one of the first determinants is the accessibility of quality education. Temple, Texas is home to four thriving school districts with excellent opportunities for students’ academic, fine arts and athletic success.
Temple, Belton, Academy and Troy Independent School Districts (ISD) all call Temple home. With nearly 21,000 students combined, Temple ISD and Belton ISD are two of the fastest growing districts in Texas, due in part to strong reputations of academic excellence, innovative programs and an abundance of extracurricular opportunities.
Temple and Belton ISD students exceed state and national SAT/ACT scores, with higher than average participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. AP classes offer college-level curricula and examinations to high school students for course credit. According to the IB website, its programs “encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development.” Additionally, more than 200 National Merit Scholar Award winners have graduated from Temple High School.
As the demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs increases, the districts partner with local businesses to encourage growth and development in these areas. As one of Temple’s key industries, the city serves as a hub for health and life sciences. Easy access to Baylor Scott & White, Veterans Medical Center, Temple College, Texas A&M, Temple Bioscience Institute and Temple Health & Bioscience District creates a bustling center for medical education and innovation.
In October 2019, a group of bright students from Temple ISD’s IB program joined the ranks of high-achieving classmates by tapping into the local bioscience resources offered in Temple. IB students from Temple High School gained hands-on experience at Temple Health & Bioscience District (THBD), and toured the facility’s office and laboratory. In addition to learning to pipette, students examined mice cancer cells with a microscope, got a physics lesson of how the human body places stress on joints, and witnessed THBD’s 3D printer in action producing simulated organs for surgical procedures.
Before leaving THBD, each student was given a 3D printed lithograph displaying their school mascot, the Temple Wildcats. Opportunities in life science and healthcare abound in Temple, Texas. Combined with renowned academics, the prospects for student achievement and success here are limitless.