The Apollo 20 program is a bold initiative to transform public education in Houston and improve the academic achievement of all students. It is a key strategy under Core Initiative 3 of HISD’s Strategic Direction—Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports, which is designed to prepare every student for college and career success.

The three-year program was launched in four high schools and five middle schools at the start of the 2010-2011 school year. It was later expanded to include eleven elementary schools. The program works because our community supported the initiative with $16.8 million in funds.

As of now, test scores are up while dropout rates are declining. More importantly, schools across the district are now benefiting from the lessons we've learned in these Apollo schools. Tutors are being hired to help students during the school day and efforts to retain the best teachers are intensifying.

These schools use strategies and best practices from successful public and charter schools across the nation. Five strategies have been identified by Harvard University’s Education Innovation Laboratory, HISD’s partner in the Apollo 20 program. Those strategies include:

• An Effective Principal and Effective Teachers
• More Instructional Time
• Use of Data to Drive Instruction
• In-School Tutoring
• A Culture of High Expectations