About the Community

Education

Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District
In an effort to establish a foundation for future success, Harlingen strives to meet the educational needs of all students. Our first-rate education includes 16 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 2 high schools, the Keys Academy (a non-traditional alternative campus for at-risk youth) and a Secondary Alternative Center.

HCISD has earned the “Recognized District” distinction from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for seven consecutive years. All of the district’s 23 eligible schools have been TEA Exemplary or Recognized during the past 4 years.

Private Schools
Harlingen also offers exceptional private schools some affiliated with Protestant or Catholic churches. Most denominations sponsor pre-school and kindergarten schools, with some providing classes through elementary and/or middle school.

The Marine Military Academy
The Marine Military Academy is the only college preparatory school in the country based on the customs, traditions and values of the United States Marine Corps. It draws students from all over the United States and numerous foreign countries. The goals for personal excellence extend through academics, athletics/physical activities, moral and other personal endeavors.

Higher Education
Harlingen is home to Texas State Technical College. It offers over 30 technical study programs in fields related to business, health care, computer technology, electronic manufacturing and industrial service. Through its instruction, TSTC offers the most current technological trends within the industry and conducts customized contract training for local business and industry.

Harlingen also is home to the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) , an extension campus of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. It offers clinical training for 3rd and 4th year medical students and educational support services for medical residents in primary care fields. The RAHC was created to bring the substantial education and clinical care resources of the University of Texas Health Science Center to the residents of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

In addition to these two top-notch schools, residents of Harlingen have the opportunity to attend other colleges in our region; University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College with over 11,000 students and offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees; University of Texas Pan American with other 17,000 students offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees; South Texas College-McAllen with over 17,000 students offers associate and bachelor’s degrees.