THE SCHOOL Houston Christian (HC) is an independent, non-profit, coeducational, college preparatory school of 500+ students in grades 9-12 and is located on a state-of-the-art, beautifully appointed 45-acre campus in Houston, Texas. HC provides rigorous academic programs designed to prepare every student for collegiate study and opportunities beyond the classroom. Founded in 1997 with a vision to establish an interdenominational college preparatory high school, Houston Christian is accredited by highly regarded Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), and is a member of the Southern Preparatory Conference (SPC) for athletics. HC is also home to the George and Barbara Bush Center for Scholars and Leaders, a leadership center inspired by the legacy of leadership of the former US President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. HC’s guiding principles are integrated into all curricular and co-curricular programs and provide a cohesive focus in serving its diverse student body. Those core values are: H - Demonstrate integrity through ethical decision-making. C - Serve one another in harmony with honesty and humility. H - Pursue the ideals of the... Christian faith in heart, mind and action. S - Cultivate intellectual vitality through the curriculum. Governance has proven to be highly successful led by a dedicated and talented Board of Trustees under the leadership of the Head of School. THE STUDENTS Through a strong and rigorous college preparatory curriculum, HC challenges students of diverse academic, cultural and religious backgrounds to lead by uniting faith, intellect and gifts to allow them to reach their greatest promise. HC’s classroom is one of local, national and international opportunities encouraging students to become leaders of influence and world changers for the greater good. The student body is composed of students from both public and private middle schools. The socio-economic profile is, by and large, one of above average income, with 29% students of color and 17% receiving financial aid. HC offers 16 Advanced Placement courses and 37% of the students are enrolled in one or more AP courses. HC boasts a range of 75% - 85% average pass rate for all AP courses and a 100% pass rate in BC calculus courses 100% pass rate over the last five years. SAT scores average 1109 and ACT scores average 25 (all students are required to take both of these tests). HC’s college placement profile reflects a range of 40% out-of-state matriculation and 100% of HC students attend college (95% choosing a four-year institution). HC consistently places 1 or more students in a military service academy each year. Under the guidance of the schools two chaplains, a large percentage (40%+) of the students choose to participate in optional student-to-student discipleship and/or adult-to-student mentorship groups, helping students to mature in their faith and understand their role as student leaders The Drake Performing Arts Center houses the performing and visual arts programs led by 8 dedicated faculty members with a vision and passion to provide a forum for student talent and abilities. Musical theater participates in the nationally recognized Tommy Tune Awards annually winning as many as 11 nominations. In 2014’s production, Beauty and the Beast, HC received the most nominations of all public and private entries in the greater Houston community. Over 80% of the HC student body participates in one or more sports each school year. 21 sports are offered for men and women. HC has enjoyed state titles in basketball, baseball and several other areas. As members of the SPC, HC Provide a healthy balance and understanding between academic and co-curricular programs. THE FACULTY HC’s excellent faculty leads in all educational endeavors. Predicated on the belief that all students can reach academic success and maximize their leadership potential, the faculty serve as role models for the student body. Of the 52+ faculty members, 54% hold advanced degrees, 100% participate in professional growth opportunities, at least 50% assume leadership positions in educational forums/workshops, several are published authors, and numerous teachers serve as AP readers. All share a commitment to inspire students to look beyond their local community and find a unique position of global influence. Dedicated to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment, HC offers students opportunities to stretch their intellectual abilities, develop leadership skills and explore a wide range of interests from athletics to fine arts to world missions. DISTINCTIVE PROGRAMS. •International Leadership Program - Each summer the George and Barbara Bush Center for Scholars and Leaders conducts an international program for student from around the world. Students come to Houston for an opportunity to live with students and families from HCHS while developing a foundational understand of leadership, gaining a broader cultural and historic perspective, and engaging with industry leaders concerning global issues. •The Distinguished Scholars Program - Offers gifted students the opportunity to develop life long scholarship skills. Students who participate in this program, master building blocks of learning, are inspired to seek knowledge, explore new ideas and perspectives, and are driven to reach a level of expertise through research based activities in a chosen field of study. •Passport to Lead - This program is designed to develop students into leaders by equipping them to reach for a higher standard and to lead with honor, conviction, and integrity. The program for all students includes five major domains; Spiritual, Personal, Interpersonal, Managerial and Organizational which are supported by principles that form the foundation of training across the school’s curriculum. This extensive leadership training program is one of the key components of the George and Barbara Bush Center for Scholars and Leaders, housed on the HCHS campus. •Program for College Readiness - PCR is a limited enrollment program designed for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities and average to superior intelligence. A dedicated and highly experienced faculty work within a supportive environment to help students boost the learning, thinking and communications skills both inside and outside of the classroom. •Beyond These Walls - HCHS students have opportunities to travel the world on multiple faculty led trips. The annual Globe Trek allows students to develop a travel experience to remote regions of the world to study first hand the cultural and historic significance of the areas visited. This year's Globe Trek will be to Peru. There is also a WWII Excursion to London, Bastogne, Berlin and Normandy and a Fine Arts Trip to Germany and Austria. There is a Christian mission trip to Turkey planned for June 2015. A highlight of the summer trips is the Colorado Wilderness Trip in July where students backpack the challenging Rockies and peak a "fourteener". Additionally, the college counseling department sponsors trips to colleges in specific regions of the country. •Classroom Technology – Houston Christian is proud to be the second longest running 1:1 laptop program in the Houston educational community. Its commitment to being on the cutting edge of technology permeates all facets of the educational program and is supported by a strong technology department. Upon enrolling in HC, students purchase a laptop package and apply integrative techniques throughout their educational experience to enrich their local and global research skills for future learning. HC is committed to continuing its support of technological advancement as part of 21st century education. THE PARENTS Upon acceptance at HC, the whole family becomes a part of the HC community and parents become members of the Mustang Parent Council (MPC). The MPC is a centralized parent organization that represents the interests of parents by promoting a strong, supportive, unified community. The MPC works effectively with the staff, faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees to achieve the institutional goals of HC through service and enhancement activities. The MPC provides volunteers that enrich spiritual, academic, leadership, fine arts and athletic activities, and it gives parents opportunities for meaningful participation in their students’ education while maintaining a healthy respect for and support of school policies and procedures. The Mustang Parent Council’s slogan is One School-One Voice and the contributions of time, talents and treasures of this organization are one of the many strengths of the school’s ability to grow and thrive.