STUDENTS EXPLORED EXCELLENCE AT MANSFIELD ISD ’ S POWER OF CHOICE EXPO
Mansfield ISD held its annual
Power of Choice Expo on Nov . 9 , 2024 , at the Dr . Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts . The expo showcased the district ’ s specialized programs , including the fine arts academies , STEM academies , early college high schools , two-way dual language academies , and leadership and STEAM academies . Presenting these programs under one roof allowed families to explore the options and find the best fit for their students .
The expo targeted students entering grades K-9 in fall 2025 , giving families time to apply for the 2025- 26 school year . Applications opened on Dec . 16 , 2024 , and close Jan . 24 , 2025 . The Power of Choice programs are divided into two pathways : specialized programs and leadership / STEAM academies .
Specialized Programs *
The specialized programs offer students targeted learning opportunities in five areas : STEM , early college high school , fine arts , P-TECH , and two-way dual language .
• Mansfield ISD ’ s five STEM ACADEMIES , and the sixth opening next school year , provide hands-on learning with a focus on science , technology , engineering , and math ( STEM ). The academies are Brenda Norwood STEM Academy , Alma Martinez STEM Academy , Charlene McKinzey STEM Academy , Jerry Knight STEM Academy , Frontier STEM Academy and Carol Holt STEM Academy ( opening 2025 ).
• THE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL program enables students to earn both a high school diploma and up to 60 college credit hours , including an associate degree .
• FINE ARTS ACADEMIES offer students a rigorous academic environment with an emphasis on artistic exploration and integration . The fine arts academies are Norwood Fine Arts Academy , Davis Fine Arts Academy , Martinez Fine Arts Academy and Cross Timbers Fine Arts Academy .
• SUMMIT P-TECH ACADEMY , a Pathways in Technology Early College High School , allows students to pursue college credit , work-based learning , and industry-recognized computer programming and software development certifications . Students can earn a Level 1 certificate in programming through Tarrant County College while completing their high school diploma at no cost .
• THE TWO-WAY DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM gives native speakers of Spanish and English the chance to learn both languages through cooperative learning and collaboration .
Leadership Academies **
Leadership academies offer elementary and intermediate school students a curriculum that integrates leadership development .
• The WILLIE BROWN ACADEMY OF YOUNG SCHOLARS has curriculum that focuses on growth mindset , social and emotional learning and college and career awareness .
• The LOUISE CABANISS ACADEMY OF YOUNG SCHOLARS incorporates team building , character development , collaboration , and a growth mindset into students ’ daily schedules .
• MARTHA REID LEADERSHIP ACADEMY encourages students to take ownership of their learning , aiming to develop leaders for today and tomorrow .
• TARVER-RENDON SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP teaches core content and leadership skills through agricultural experiences .
• DONNA SHEPARD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY provides unique programming , including a leadership curriculum , agricultural science , a national elementary honor society , and an art partnership program that connects general education and special needs students .
• The ELIZABETH SMITH INNOVATIVE LEARNING ACADEMY fosters collaboration and focuses on high-level cognitive skills for all students , from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade .
STEAM Academy **
• ROBERTA TIPPS STEAM ACADEMY enhances critical thinking through cross-curricular activities in science , technology , engineering , art , and math . Students are encouraged to explore , create , and innovate , using inquiry-based learning and design thinking across science , technology , engineering , art , and math .
* Transportation is provided for all qualified students accepted into a specialized program .
** Transportation is not provided for Leadership and STEAM academy students who live outside their designated attendance zones .
For information on all of our choice programs , visit mansfieldisd . org / student-central / power-of-choice .
20 MANSFIELDTODAY