Today@Sam Article

SHSU Charter School Receives A Grade from TEA Ratings

July 17, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

The SHSU Charter School was one of just 128 Texas school districts to earn the top distinction. Though these ratings reflect performance from the 2022-23 school year, TEA publicly released the data for the first time in April.

By Lidia Brown

The Sam Houston State University Charter School received an overall A rating for the 2022-23 academic year from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), placing it among the top 10% of Texas school districts.

The SHSU Charter School was established in 2017 as a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school serving kindergarten through fifth grade students at three locations in the North Houston area. The initiative extended the university’s longstanding legacy of fostering educators and community advancement.

 “This achievement is the result of the work of our amazing team of staff, students and parents,” said Craig Toney, SHSU Charter School superintendent. “We are thrilled with this rating.”

In 2017, TEA established the A-F accountability system to offer transparent and reliable insight into school performance across three main areas: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps. These ratings help provide a clear picture of how districts are educating students, based largely on the STAAR growth and performance. Following updates to the accountability system aimed at keeping Texas a national leader, the revised ratings now more accurately reflect the system’s three core objectives.

“2022-23 brought an increase in the rigor of STAAR testing and accountability measures,” said Toney. “These changes presented new challenges that resulted in many districts seeing a decrease in their accountability ratings from prior years.”

This recognition highlights the dedication of SHSU Charter School’s educators and leadership to fostering a strong academic environment. With a continued focus on student growth and achievement, the district remains committed to preparing young learners for long-term success.

“Student success is largely the result of effective instruction and support,” said Toney. “Receiving an A rating speaks volumes about the quality of instruction and parental support at SHSU Charter School.”

Despite loftier standards, SHSU Charter School is dedicated to their mission of being a transformational learning model. The dynamic environment allows young students to experience academic, emotional and social success while pursuing their ambitions.

“Families at SHSU Charter School should be proud and have a high degree of confidence in the quality of education taking place at our campuses,” said Toney.

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