100 Years Ago
100 years ago, schools as we know them today did not exist. Most were one-teacher schools, operating three months annually. Texas enacted compulsory attendance laws in 1914, with students required to attend 60 days per year in segregated schools.
In 1905, Harlingen pioneer, Lon C. Hill, built a small frame schoolhouse near his home, to serve his children and his sister's and friends' children.
Photo courtesy of Harlingen Arts & Museum
On September 5, 1909, the Harlingen Independent School District Board of Trustees held its first organizational meeting in the office of Morrow Brothers Lumber Company. Prior to 1911, classes were held in a variety of locations, including church buildings. On April 25, 1911, a contract was awarded to build what was first called the Central Ward School and later renamed Sam Houston School in 1936. Curriculum for the one room school house included reading, arithmetic, spelling, and penmanship, with a single math problem given to students by age group.
Today, HCISD supports a fully integrated system of 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 2 high schools, 3 alternative schools, and an early college high school where students can graduate with both a college degree and a high school diploma. With teaching and learning no longer confined to bricks and mortar, students are being prepared to succeed in global society. Students use sophisticated, intelligent technology, including laptops and multimedia, to research, analyze, and communicate complex understanding of ideas and knowledge learned. Graduates pursuing the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement degrees must earn 26 credits, including 4 each in math, science, social studies, and language arts.
Harlingen schools have a proud tradition of excellence. Our diverse and knowledgeable Board of Trustees, district staff, and community are committed to ensuring all students have equal opportunity to fulfill their potential and to become successful participants in the world of work and higher education.