At Frank L. Madla Early College High School students are often reminded that their opportunities and success is built on the shoulders of those who came before them. At Hangar 9 in the heart of South San Antonio, scholars who are days away from earning both their Associate’s Degree and High School diploma gather to honor those in their lives who are paramount to their success.
The ‘Mi Orgullo, Tu Exito’ event is a moving event where young scholars are given a sarape to give to a special person who was instrumental in motivating them forward. In the modern world, recognizing one’s culture and community can often get lost in the bustle of life. At Frank L. Madla Early College High School youth are encouraged to include these acknowledgments as a part of the fabric of the school.
Along each of the student’s journeys through their high school years, the school recognizes milestones or ‘Madla Milestones’ that are emblematic of their journey. When a student begins their freshman year they symbolize the beginning of their commitment at a pinning ceremony that represents a three part pact between school, students and parents. When scholars are ready to begin college coursework, usually in the 9th grade, they once again gather as a community to commemorate this stage in the journey. Scholars then receive a journal that allows them to begin ‘writing their story’ as they begin their college journey while in high school. When they have earned 15 college hours, scholars are awarded a varsity letter. After the Mi Exito, Su Orgullo event, students culminate their experience with the final milestone, graduation. Their community gathers to celebrate their high school and college experience at FLMECHS, and cheers them on in transition to the next phase of their academic life.
Frank L. Madla Early College High School was recently identified as one of the 10 best public charter high schools in San Antonio, according to U.S. News & World Report. The publication ranked more than 17,700 schools, focusing on college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates.
‘Our students never cease to amaze. Earning college hours, an Associate’s Degree and their distinguished high school diploma – all at the same time is incredible. But they could not walk this journey alone, it is important to honor those who have supported their tremendous achievements, said Jeffrey Flores, Frank L. Madla Early College High School Principal.
The Frank L. Madla Early College High School, an ‘A’ rated campus, is operated by New Frontiers Public Schools – in partnership with Palo Alto College, where the campus is located. Early College
High Schools (ECHS) are innovative high schools that allow students least likely to attend college an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 college credit hours.
“We take great pride in the hard work and dedication that it takes to succeed in the early college environment, said Alfredo Segura Jr., this is a true reflection of a community – from the administrators, teachers, students to families – we share a mission of providing a path to and through college for our future leaders.”
The campus is currently accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year in grades 9th-10th with limited availability.
To learn more about the Frank L. Madla Early College High School, visit: https://flmechs.newfrontierspublicschools.org
