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Since 1998, YES Prep Public Schools has redefined what is possible in public education. With over 20,000 college-bound students across 24 campuses, we are a system of high-performing public charter schools proving that students from underserved communities can achieve at the highest academic levels. Our exceptional results demonstrate that better outcomes are not only possible, but also probable, when school systems build a culture of high expectations, and create effective support systems to ensure that student achievement is at the forefront of every decision made.
Mission
YES Prep Public Schools empowers all Houston students to succeed in college and to pursue lives of opportunity.
Vision
Every child in Houston will have equitable access to a public school that delivers a college-ready education.
Core Values
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Grow Authentic Leadership
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Eliminate Educational Inequity to Advance Social Justice
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Achieve Jaw-Dropping Results
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Build Transformative Relationships
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Create Pathways to Opportunity
Why We Exist
Across the nation, only half of all students from low-income communities graduate from high school and only 10% earn a college degree. Over the long term, these statistics damage our economy and prevent the next generation of leaders from emerging. In a country where a child’s zip code often determines their life trajectory, YES Prep provides evidence that different outcomes are possible when students are given access to high-quality educational opportunities. At YES Prep, we believe that every student, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, deserves the opportunity to receive a world-class education.
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are public schools! They are designed as complements to traditional ISDs. Charters exist to serve students that, for whatever reason, aren’t thriving in a one-size-fits-all traditional public school. Charters are free and open to all, offering every child an opportunity for a great education. Charters are given the flexibility to take creative approaches to teaching students in the way that works best for them. In exchange for that extra flexibility, charters are subject to increased accountability and transparency standards. For example, charters that receive a failing grade from the state for three years straight are shut down—no appeals allowed. This ensures that only the highest quality public charters can exist in Texas. YES Prep is a nonprofit organization. In fact, for-profit charter schools are illegal in Texas. That means that Texas charters are funded through community support and state funds. They receive no local taxpayer dollars. Every student deserves the chance to get a public education at a school that puts their needs first, regardless of zip code, income or ability level. By delivering for students from diverse backgrounds and teaching them how they learn best, public charter schools are preparing the workforce of tomorrow and the future of Texas.