With the first day of classes right around the corner, Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Superintendent James Colbert Jr. and Assistant Superintendent for Academic Support Services Jonathan Parker visited HCDE’s four special schools to check in on principals and campus staff and ensure schools are ready to receive students for the 2024-2025 academic year.  

They toured Academic and Behavior School West and Fortis Academy on Monday and visited Academic and Behavior School East and Highpoint School on Tuesday. In addition to visiting with campus staff members, Colbert and Parker walked around each school and made notes on items to be updated in anticipation of the first day of school. 

Harris County Department of Education operates four unique schools serving students aged 5 to 22 with profound emotional and intellectual special needs, those challenged by addiction and reluctant learners in need of an alternative environment for success. With highly structured classes and personalized instruction, HCDE is committed to ensuring every student has the tools needed to be successful in school and life. HCDE’s special schools serve an average of 700 students each year. School districts contract with HCDE for seats at each school, providing an alternate placement for students needing specialized services.