Celebrations - Challenge Early CHS

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Best High Schools according to US NEWS (Feb 2024)

Challenge Early College High School is ranked #148 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college. Read more about how we rank the Best High Schools.

#4 in Houston TX Metro Area High Schools

#4 in Houston Independent School District High School

#25 in Texas High Schools

#41 in Magnet High Schools

#162 in National Rankings

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/texas/districts/houston-independent-school-district/challenge-early-college-high-school-19263

#5 in Region - According to Children at Risk – Feb 2023

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/best-houston-high-school-rankings-17772484.php

We are thrilled to announce that Challenge Early College High School has been awarded Platinum Certification by the Houston ISD FACE program! This is the highest recognition for schools that excel in fostering family and community engagement.

What does this mean?

• Platinum Certification recognizes our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment where families are true partners in education.
• It reflects our dedication to building strong relationships with our parents, empowering them to support their students' success.
• This certification highlights our efforts to provide resources, communication, and opportunities that benefit not just students but the entire school community.
  
  

Why is this important for our students?
When families and schools work together, students achieve more! The Platinum status ensures we’re going above and beyond to create an environment where students feel supported, parents feel involved, and the community thrives. Together, we’re shaping a culture of excellence where every student can reach their full potential.

Congratulations to our incredible team, parents, and students for making this possible. Let’s continue to work together to keep Challenge ECHS shining bright!

#PlatinumCertified #FamilyAndFriendlySchool #ChallengeECHS #Teamwork #StudentSuccess

A huge congratulations to the 21 incredible students from Challenge Early College High School who are graduating early with both their Associate's Degree and High School Diploma in just 3 1/2 years!

The Class of 2025 is leading the way, finishing strong in Fall 2024, and showing us all what hard work, determination, and support can achieve. The future is undeniably bright with our students shining the way forward!

Thank you to the Challenge ECHS Team, our amazing parents, and our invaluable partners at Houston Community College for helping make this remarkable achievement possible.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." – Henry David Thoreau

We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve, Class of 2025!

#DualGraduates #ClassOf2025 #BrightFutures #ChallengeECHS #ProudMoments

We are beyond proud to celebrate Andrea for her incredible achievement of graduating early with her Associate's Degree and High School Diploma!

After the Houston Community College graduation, we had a special celebration with her family to honor her Sign-In Day, as she received a scholarship to play professional soccer with the University of St. Thomas (UST)!

Andrea, your hard work, talent, and determination have paid off. As an NCAA Division 2 Student-Athlete, you are chasing your dreams both academically and athletically, and we know you will continue to achieve greatness at UST.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt

Keep moving forward, Andrea, and know that your Challenge ECHS family will always be cheering you on!

#ChallengeECHS #EarlyGraduate #StudentAthlete #USTPride #DreamBig

We’re so proud of our 128 students who achieved perfect attendance during the second six weeks!

To recognize their commitment, we hosted a fun-filled Pizza Party to celebrate their dedication and consistency.

Why does attendance matter?
Showing up to school every day has a tremendous impact on a student’s success—academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are just a few reasons why attendance is key:

• Academic Success: Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track with their learning and achieve higher grades.
• Building Connections: Coming to school allows students to connect with peers and teachers, strengthening relationships and creating a sense of belonging.
• Developing Responsibility: Regular attendance fosters important life skills like discipline, time management, and commitment.
• Unlocking Opportunities: Every day at school is a chance to learn something new, develop skills, and prepare for the future.
  
  

We’re so grateful to our students, families, and staff for working together to prioritize attendance and make learning a top priority. Let’s continue to strive for success together, one day at a time!

We’ll continue this tradition for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th six weeks! Everyone has the chance to join in as we celebrate each grading cycle.

Keep up the great work, Challenge ECHS!
#PerfectAttendance #SchoolMatters #ChallengeECHS

We had the most wonderful time coming together as a school family for our Gingerbread House Competition and Holiday Celebration! It was a joyful day filled with hot chocolate sipping, gingerbread house building, exciting prizes, and plenty of holiday cheer.

A huge thank you to Grow On and Ms. Del Rio for organizing this fantastic event and to our amazing parents, students, teachers, and staff for joining us to celebrate the season. Your presence made this day extra special and truly highlighted the spirit of community that makes our school so unique.

As we celebrate the holidays, let’s take time to cherish our families, friends, and loved ones. These moments of connection are what make the season so magical. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories!

#HolidayCheer #SchoolFamily #GingerbreadFun #CommunityCelebration

On December 14, our talented students competed in the UIL Academic Tournament, and their hard work and dedication shone brightly! Here's how they performed:

Poetry Interpretation

• 1st Place: Kaylyn
• 3rd Place: Sadie

Current Events (Team Win!)

• 1st Place: Joseias Esayas
• 2nd Place: Karina Chavarria
• 4th Place: Fatima Aguilar
• Team Member: Omar Alburki

Editorial Writing

• 1st Place: Karina Chavarria

Computer Science

• 2nd Place: Joshua Coquilla

Spelling and Vocabulary

• 2nd Place: Karina Chavarria

Social Studies

• 1st Place: Gavin Derocha (Rising from 4th to 2nd to 1st—what a climb!)
• 4th Place: David Garza
• 5th Place: Omar
  
  

Final Results: Challenge ECHS secured 3rd Place in the invitational!

A huge shoutout to our incredible UIL coaches, Ms. Baker and Mr. Leventhal, for their dedication and support of our students. Thank you for guiding them to success!

We are so proud of all our competitors for their effort, determination, and excellence. Keep reaching for the stars!

#UILSuccess #ChallengePride #AcademicExcellence #Teamwork

We are thrilled to share some incredible news that showcases the excellence of our students and the strength of our school community. This year, three of our outstanding scholars have been named QuestBridge Scholars, earning full-ride scholarships to prestigious universities!

Please join us in celebrating:

Yamin Ramadi – Rice University

Santos Reyes – Rice University

Jessica De Los Angeles – Vanderbilt University

These remarkable achievements are a testament to their hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of their families, teachers, and our entire Challenge ECHS community.

As we reflect on these incredible milestones, let’s remember the impact we have as a team in shaping futures and creating opportunities. These scholars truly make us #ChallengeProud!

Thank you to everyone who continues to empower and inspire our students to achieve greatness every day. Together, we are building brighter futures!

#QuestBridgeScholars #ChallengeProud #BrightFutures #CollegeBound

we’re thrilled to host our International Festival, where our amazing 9th-grade students in AP Human Geography will showcase their projects. This exciting event is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and hard work, reflecting the rich learning experiences happening at Challenge Early College High School.

The festival is more than just a presentation—it's an opportunity for our school community to:

• Celebrate global cultures and traditions.
• Promote inclusivity and broaden perspectives.
• Showcase essential skills like research, collaboration, creativity, and communication.

Students have worked hard to bring their chosen countries to life with:

• Table decorations and trifold presentations.
• Traditional attire.
• Food samples with dietary/allergy labels.
• Interactive activities and creative displays.
  
  

This event also highlights our commitment to enriching students’ education through hands-on, interdisciplinary projects like this one. It’s inspiring to see our students grow academically, socially, and culturally through meaningful initiatives.

We’re proud of the incredible work our students have put into this event, and we hope to see our community join us during Advo Time/Lunch to celebrate their achievements! Thank you to our staff, students, and families for supporting experiences that make Challenge ECHS such a vibrant and inclusive place to learn.

Together, we make learning unforgettable.
#InternationalFestival #ChallengeECHS #GlobalCultures

We are proud to celebrate the induction of our newest members into the National Honor Society (NHS) at Challenge Early College High School! These exceptional students have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, and character—the core values of NHS.

Becoming a member of NHS is not just an honor but also a commitment to excellence. These students pledge to uphold the high standards of academic achievement, lead with integrity, and make a positive impact through community service.

We are excited to see the amazing contributions they will make both on our campus and beyond. Their hard work and dedication inspire us all!

“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.” – Robin S. Sharma

Congratulations to all our inductees—you truly embody the spirit of excellence at Challenge Early College High School!

#NationalHonorSociety #ChallengeProud #LeadersOfTomorrow #ExcellenceInAction

Our 9th-grade students had an incredible opportunity to visit the University of Houston as part of the AVID program! This visit is just one of the many ways we are committed to exposing our students to higher education opportunities and helping them envision their futures.

Field trips like these are more than just a visit—they are a source of inspiration. By stepping onto a university campus, our students experience firsthand what college life is like and begin to see themselves as future college students. These experiences encourage them to dream big, set goals, and start planning the steps needed to achieve them.

We are so proud of our students for taking this important step toward their futures, and we are grateful to our AVID team and partners for making this meaningful experience possible. Together, we are empowering the leaders of tomorrow!

"Dreams don’t work unless you do." Let’s keep encouraging our students to reach for the stars!

#AVIDProgram #CollegeBound #UHVisit #InspiringFutures #ChallengeProud

Field trips like these are vital for bringing education to life. Houston’s rich educational resources, like the Museum of Natural Science, offer hands-on opportunities to explore complex ideas in a fun and interactive way.

Our 10th-grade students had an exciting day at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, participating in a cross-curricular learning experience with their UT OnRamps Chemistry class led by the amazing Ms. Conti!

Students engaged in lessons to prepare for the exhibits they would explore.

They connected classroom concepts to real-world applications, diving deeper into the wonders of science and discovery.

Follow-up discussions and activities tied everything together, reinforcing their learning.

It was a day filled with learning, curiosity, and fun as students discovered how chemistry is all around us! Thank you to Ms. Conti for designing such an impactful experience and to our students for embracing this opportunity to grow.

At Challenge ECHS, the quality of instruction is the foundation of our success in Dual Credit, Advanced Placement, UT OnRamps, and AVID programs. Here's how our amazing teachers are leading the way:

Our Teachers are showcasing incredible instructional strategies to support student success! From maximizing lesson time with effective response strategies in Biology to making AP Precalculus engaging through collaborative tools like Desmos, they are fostering critical thinking and active learning. Thought-provoking discussions on Shakespeare and deep analysis of historical figures like Harriet Tubman further highlight the commitment to meaningful education. Special thanks to those who go above and beyond to ensure smooth and impactful lessons. Together, we’re empowering our students for excellence!

Special thanks to Mr. Villatoro for stepping in to ensure lessons stayed on track by resolving tech challenges with ease!

These incredible efforts highlight how innovative and engaging instructional practices drive student success in rigorous programs. Together, we empower our students to thrive academically and think critically about the world around them.

#ExcellenceInEducation #ChallengeProud #DualCredit #AP #UTOnRamps #AVID

This Thanksgiving season, we are grateful for our amazing Challenge Early College High School family! Parents, students, and staff came together after school for a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration—a beautiful opportunity to connect, share, and express gratitude for the incredible community we’ve built together. Thank you everyone for bringing your delicious dishes and creating a heartwarming celebration. Your generosity and support made this event extra special.

As we reflect on the support and dedication of our families and team, we’re reminded that it truly takes a village to help our students thrive.

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and coming together as a family—at home and at school—makes it even more meaningful."

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and give thanks! Together, we make Challenge stronger. #ThankfulTogether #ChallengeFamily #Gratitude

Ms. Baker is empowering our students with the invaluable skill of project-based research through the AP Capstone program. Students are diving into in-depth research projects that challenge them to think critically, analyze information, and present their findings with confidence.

Why AP Capstone Matters:
The AP Capstone program offers students the unique opportunity to develop essential college and career-ready skills. Through research and presentations, students learn to:

• Conduct thorough, evidence-based research.
• Strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Deliver professional and engaging presentations.
• Collaborate effectively with peers.
• Prepare for success in higher education and beyond.

These projects not only deepen students' understanding of real-world issues but also enhance their ability to communicate and defend their ideas—a skill set that will benefit them throughout life.

A huge thank you to Ms. Baker for leading this incredible program and giving our students the tools to thrive in their academic journey!

Let’s cheer on our AP Capstone scholars as they explore, research, and present their groundbreaking ideas.

#ChallengeECHS #APCapstone #FutureLeaders #ResearchAndGrowth

After a hard work preparing our students for their TSI (Texas Success Initiative) assessments, we treated our amazing faculty and staff to some delicious Mexican tacos!

The TSI assessment is a critical step in ensuring our students are college-ready. Passing the English test allows students to enroll in college-level reading and writing courses, while passing the Math test opens doors to advanced college-level math classes. Each success brings our students closer to earning college credits and achieving their academic goals!

A big THANK YOU to our dedicated faculty and staff for their tireless efforts to support our students, and to Houston Community College for your invaluable partnership in making these opportunities possible. Together, we’re paving the way for student success!

#ChallengeECHS #TSIReady #CollegeBound #TacoCelebration #Teamwork

What an incredible time we had at our Fall Festival, an event organized, set up, and created entirely by our students! This fun-filled celebration was brought to life with the support of our unique Advocacy classes, where students from all grade levels work together to make events like these possible.

The Advocacy Class Experience:
Advocacy classes are a mix of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, led by senior students who guide their peers through team-building activities, collaborative projects, and fun competitions. One highlight of the Fall Festival is the competition among Advocacy classes to create the most entertaining and engaging booth for the community.

Benefits for Students:

• Leadership Skills: Seniors lead by example, organizing activities and mentoring younger students.
• Teamwork: Students of all grades collaborate, fostering communication and camaraderie.
• Creativity: Planning and executing events encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
• Community Engagement: Students gain a sense of pride and responsibility by creating meaningful experiences for families and the local community.

Events like the Fall Festival are about more than just fun—they’re opportunities to strengthen the bonds between students, parents, staff, and our community. Together, we’re creating lasting memories and building a culture of connection and support.

"Strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving school community. Together, we grow, inspire, and achieve!"

Thank you to everyone who joined us after school for this wonderful event! Here’s to many more moments of joy, collaboration, and community spirit.

#ChallengeECHS #FallFestival #AdvocacyClass #CommunityConnections #BuildingRelationships

October was truly unforgettable as we celebrated 20 incredible years of Challenge Early College High School—Texas' first Early College High School!

For two decades, Challenge has been breaking barriers, empowering students to earn their high school diplomas and associate degrees simultaneously, and preparing them for success in college and beyond.

As the #4 high school in Houston, Challenge continues to set high standards, opening doors to opportunities and helping students step confidently into their next phase of life. Early College programs like ours equip students with the skills, knowledge, and college credits to thrive, saving time and money while fostering independence and resilience.

Here’s to 20 years of excellence and to the bright future ahead for Challenge students! #ChallengeECHS #20YearsStrong #EarlyCollegePioneers #StudentSuccess

We are thrilled to share the incredible impact of our partnership with the University of Houston Peer Program! This collaboration brings University of Houston Honors students to Challenge Early College High School to mentor and work alongside approximately 76 of our National Honor Society students.

The UH Peer Program is designed to foster mentorship, leadership, and collaboration by connecting college students with high school scholars. Through this program, our students are not only inspired by role models pursuing higher education but also gain valuable insights into academic and personal growth.

Program Highlights and Benefits:

• Collaborative Projects: Students engage in meaningful projects guided by their University of Houston mentors. These projects encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork while addressing real-world challenges.
• Skill Development: Participants build critical skills such as communication, time management, goal setting, and project planning—tools essential for success in college and beyond.
• Weekly Mentorship: Every Friday, students meet as a group with their mentors to review progress, receive feedback, and refine their projects. These regular interactions foster accountability, collaboration, and confidence.
• College Readiness: Mentors share their university experiences, offering valuable advice and perspectives to prepare our students for their future academic journeys.

This program exemplifies the power of partnership and the commitment of both Challenge Early College High School and the University of Houston to empower the next generation of leaders.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication our students have shown and grateful for the mentorship provided by the UH Honors students. Together, we are building a foundation of excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to inspire and prepare our students for a bright future.

We are so grateful to all the parents and families who joined us at our 2024 Open House! Your presence and involvement make such a difference in building a strong partnership between home and school.

Why Open House Matters:
Attending Open House gives parents the opportunity to:

• Connect with Teachers: Learn about your student’s classes, curriculum, and daily experiences.
• Stay Informed: Gain insights into our school programs, goals, and resources that support your student’s success.
• Build Relationships: Meet the faculty, staff, and other families who are part of our vibrant Challenge ECHS community.
• Engage in Your Child’s Education: Show your student that you’re invested in their learning journey, which boosts their confidence and motivation.
  
  

Thank you for taking the time to engage with us and for being such an integral part of your student’s academic success. Together, we create a supportive environment that empowers our students to thrive!

Here’s to an amazing year ahead, full of growth and achievement.

#ChallengeECHS #OpenHouse2024 #ParentEngagement #StudentSuccess #TogetherWeThrive

At Challenge Early College High School, our ADVO classes took team spirit to the next level with one of our exciting Challenge Cup Competitions!

ADVO isn’t just a class; it’s a space where students from all grades come together to build Relationships—one of our 3 Rs, alongside Relevance and Rigor, which shape the foundation of our school culture. These competitions are more than just fun and games; they’re designed to strengthen:

• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Goal Setting & Strategy
• School Spirit & Community

Each ADVO class competes to win the coveted Challenge Cup, fostering a sense of camaraderie and pride. These activities emphasize the importance of building connections with peers, creating a supportive environment where students thrive both socially and academically.

Together, we’re proving that strong relationships build strong schools!

#ChallengeECHS #ChallengeCup #BuildingRelationships #3Rs #Teamwork #SchoolCulture #ADVO

We are thrilled to share that Challenge Early College High School has been recognized as an A-rated campus by the Texas Education Agency, with an incredible accountability score of 98!

This achievement is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students, staff, and school community. Together, we are setting the standard for high-quality education in Houston, proving that when we aim high, we achieve greatness.

To celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, we hosted a special event on to honor our students’ and staff’s unstoppable achievements!

Thank you to our amazing students, dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and Houston ISD for being part of our journey. Together, we are truly UNSTOPPABLE!

#ChallengeECHS #ARatedSchool #Unstoppable #ExcellenceInEducation #ProudToBeChallenge

Challenge Early College High School students recently participated in a unique opportunity for civic engagement at the Student Leadership Conference from July 29th to July 31st, 2024.

Our student leaders joined the Close-Up Foundation Program, where they gained valuable leadership skills, earned community service hours, and received special recognition. As ambassadors for Challenge Early College HS, they will help their peers understand the importance of voting and civic engagement—an initiative that perfectly complements our government class curricula.

The program also offered leadership training, engaging activities, and insights into local government operations. There’s even the exciting possibility of a trip to Washington, DC later this year!

This Youth Leadership initiative is all about elevating student voices on civics and voter education. We're proud of our students for stepping up and making a difference!