As #TeamHCDE celebrated the first day of classes for the 2026-2027 academic year, teachers and campus administrators were all smiles and enthusiasm, meeting and greeting students soon to fill the hallways and classrooms of the four special schools. 

Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) is truly a unicorn in the public education space, as are most divisions that operate within HCDE to help serve students and families across the county. That’s no different with Special Schools, where the four campuses live HCDE’s mission to fill the education gaps. 

That’s what makes Academic and Behavior School East and West, Fortis Academy and Highpoint School “Unrivaled.” And staff kicked off what is sure to be an unrivaled championship year with the first day Aug. 24. 

“We are rocking and rolling, and hitting the ground running,” said Trent Manuel, HCDE’s newest principal, who begins his first year at ABS East. “The first day is really about building relationships with the students and setting routines. The students were excited to be back. The staff welcomed them with open arms, hugging them and just loving on them and showing them that we care.” 

Added Highpoint Assistant Principal Troy Moore: “When you look at the first few days of school, we’re trying to get students settled. It’s important they know their schedules and they get familiar with their teachers.” 

Whether it’s new faces, new programs or even raising the bar of high-performing excellence, students and their families will continue to be impressed with the work happening across the four campuses. 

Staff prepared through optional but well-attended summer “Learning Lagniappe” sessions, which then flowed right into new teacher bootcamp at the start of August before the entire division returned for professional development prior to the first day of classes. 

“Today is extremely exciting because of all of the work and the preparation that we’ve done during the summertime and last two weeks getting our folks ready,” said Dr. Margaret Patton, the division’s director of curriculum and special services. “I can confidently say teachers were prepared, staff was prepared and even the students knew what to do.” 

At Fortis, growth in the culinary arts program will provide even more opportunities. Students last year competed in the Texas ProStart Competition in Waco for the first time. 

“I am so excited to start this new school year,” Fortis Principal Travita Godfrey said. “We’re welcoming a brand-new chef, so we’re very excited for all of the things we’ll be able to do.” 

Soon enough, students across the four campuses will be excelling academically while also overcoming adversities and challenges. They will put on showcases and programs for loved ones and home district representatives. 

Some will even pick up chess for the first time – likely with coaching from a peer – to later compete in HCDE’s annual competition. And before you know it, graduating seniors will don caps and gowns and cross the stage with cheers from family and friends. 

Before all those accomplishments happen, however, HCDE’s four schools and their staff set the foundation with a successful first day. 

“We have the playbook and we’ve been practicing and had lots of preparation,” ABS West Principal Jatata Hutton said. “So, this is going to be a year like none other.”