ACROSS LONGVIEW, THREE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION THROUGH INNOVATION, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, AND A SHARED COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS.
From expanded academic and career pathways to programs that nurture creativity and leadership, Longview ISD, Pine Tree ISD, and Spring Hill ISD each bring a distinct approach to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
Longview ISD
Building Pathways, Opportunity and Excellence for every student
In Longview ISD, the future is not something students wait for. It’s something they actively prepare for every day.
The district is experiencing a period of bold growth, intentional planning, and innovative programming designed to ensure that every student graduates ready for college, careers, and life, thanks to the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard.
With more than 8,000 students and a diverse East Texas community to serve, Longview ISD has embraced a clear philosophy.
“We don’t believe in college or career. It’s college and career,” Sheppard said.
From early childhood education to advanced career certifications and early college pathways, the district is building systems that meet students where they are and help them envision where they can go.
One of the most significant areas of growth in Longview ISD is Career and Technical Education (CTE). Unlike many districts that wait until high school to introduce career pathways, Longview ISD begins CTE exposure as early as seventh grade.
“We start our kids in seventh grade, and most of them are in a CTE course,” Sheppard said. “That’s not common, but we believe early exposure matters.”
In the 2025-2026 academic year, between 1,700 and 1,900 high school students are enrolled in dual-credit CTE courses through a partnership with Kilgore College, Sheppard shared. Almost all the district’s career technology classes offer college credit, allowing students to graduate with both academic credentials and workforce ready skills.
The results are impressive. In the 2024–2025 school year, nearly 1,000 Longview ISD students earned industry-based certifications, which was more than double the previous year’s total, Sheppard said.
“We want students to graduate with a certificate,” Sheppard explained. “That certificate represents a livable wage and an entry point into the workforce if they need it.”
But career preparation is not meant to replace higher education. It’s designed
to support it.
“College has become very expensive,” she said. “If students need to finance college, we want them to have something they can do to earn a livable wage while they’re in school. Career programs are an entry point, not an exit point.” To support expanding programs, Longview ISD is building a new Career and Technology Center, scheduled to open in 2027. The facility will house a wide range of hands-on learning environments, reflecting the district’s commitment to real-world education.
Among the highlights
- A courtroom to support new law-focused pathways
- Expanded nursing and healthcare programs, including a future Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) cohort
- Diesel and automotive technology labs
- A significantly expanded culinary arts program
- A maker space focused on robotics
for younger students
One of the most unique features will be a “mega multipurpose” facility that includes an actual bank branch where students will intern during the school day.
“Financial literacy is a passion of mine,” Dr. Sheppard said. “My own children graduated from high school and didn’t know what a credit score was. That made me stop and ask—what are we really teaching our kids?”
Through the on-site bank, students will learn financial literacy and teach peer-to-peer classes on budgeting, credit, and long-term financial decision-making.
Longview ISD is also launching an Early College program in partnership with Kilgore College. Beginning in 2026, students entering 11th grade will have the opportunity to attend college classes Monday through Thursday at Kilgore College and return to campus on Fridays for soft-skills development. Participants will graduate high school with an associate degree already completed.
In healthcare, the district is preparing to launch its first LVN cohort, with plans to enroll five to ten students initially. The rigorous program allows graduates to become registered nurses shortly after completion, opening doors to stable, high-demand careers.
“These programs are about creating opportunity,” Sheppard said. “We want students to live their very best lives.”
While career readiness is a major focus, academic excellence remains a top priority. Longview ISD is a district-wide International Baccalaureate (IB) district, serving students from first grade through twelfth grade with Montessori education offered at the kindergarten level.
The district continues to invest heavily in IB teacher training and support, and recent results show significant improvement in diploma program success rates.
“Some students really thrive in the IB route,” Sheppard said. “It’s another option — another pathway. There’s truly something for everyone here.”
This academic progress is reflected in the district’s most recent accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency. Longview ISD earned a score of 88 (B+), along with 52 distinctions — up from 40 the previous year. The district also saw growth in its “Meets Grade Level” and “Masters Grade Level” categories across every tested subject, indicators the state associates with grade-level proficiency and college readiness.
“We’re very proud of our teachers, principals, and staff,” she said. “This is a community effort.”
One of Longview ISD’s most innovative initiatives is its gaming and esports curriculum. Developed in partnership with Texas A&M and other universities, the program blends creativity, academics, and competition, said Elizabeth Ross, the district’s director of community relations.
Students learn far more than gameplay. They explore coding, graphic design, engineering, music coordination, and teamwork. The curriculum is currently offered at multiple campuses, including Clarence W. Bailey Elementary School, Forest Park Middle School, and the LEAD Academy, the district’s early graduation campus.
“It opens up a whole new world,” Ross said. “Students start realizing that gaming is bigger than what they’ve been doing at home.”
Events like the district’s past Game Fest showcased career opportunities in the gaming industry with speakers and representatives from Xbox, Gearbox, and collegiate esports programs helping families understand the academic and professional potential behind esports.
Recognizing the unique challenges of middle school, Longview ISD adopted the Ron Clark Academy house system across all three middle school campuses. Students are sorted into houses with colors, chants, and shared goals, creating a sense of belonging and accountability.
“It completely changed the vibe of our campuses,” Sheppard said. “Students feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”
The success of the program has already led one elementary campus to adopt the model for grades three through five, ensuring students enter middle school with a built-in sense of community.
While innovative programs are changing the atmosphere on campuses, major bond projects are transforming the physical landscape of Longview ISD. In addition to the CTE Center, upcoming facilities include:
- A new natatorium to host swim meets
and competitions - A transportation center providing meeting and support spaces for bus drivers and staff
- A state-of-the-art early childhood education center designed with engaging, child-centered spaces
“These buildings aren’t just functional; they’re intentional,” Sheppard said. “From the moment kids arrive, we want them excited to be there.”
Guiding all this work is the district’s newly adopted strategic plan, Elevate 2030. Approved by the school board in 2025, the plan serves as a blueprint for Longview ISD’s long-term goals, including an aspiration to become an “A-rated” district.
“We want to become an ‘A’ district. We want all our campuses to become ‘A’ schools. And not only for the recognition, but because it demonstrates that we’re doing the right thing with our students,” she said.
Sheppard’s vision is clear: excellence in every area, meaningful opportunities for every student, and a district that prepares young people not just for graduation but for leadership and success in a changing world.
In Longview ISD, that future is already taking shape.
PINE TREE ISD
Building Excellence Through Character and Community
With an enrollment of 4,444 students, Pine Tree ISD has built a reputation for strong academics, nationally competitive extracurricular programs, and a culture centered on preparing students not just for graduation but for life beyond the classroom.
Over the past several years, Pine Tree ISD has seen remarkable academic growth that district leaders attribute to investing in teachers and removing barriers to student success. In 2017, the district’s average passing rate across all state tests was 69 percent. Today, that average has climbed to 79 percent.
Reading scores tell an even more compelling story. In 2019, Pine Tree’s reading proficiency rate stood at 33 percent, which was below the state average at the time of 45 percent. By 2025, Pine Tree students reached a 62 percent proficiency rate – a gain of 29 percentage points – while the state average increased only nine points during the same period.
These outcomes reflect a focused commitment to instructional quality, teacher development, and long-term student growth, according to district leaders.
In addition to academic achievement, Pine Tree ISD also seeks to develop the “soft skills” students need to thrive in a changing world. Superintendent Steve Clugston emphasizes that many future jobs have not yet been invented, making adaptability essential.
“The soft skills we believe matter the most are the outcomes we look for in everything we do,” he said. “We want kids to learn to be dependable, hard workers, be able to follow
the rules (meet expectations), be able to solve their own problems, be able to get along with others, even the ones they don’t particularly like, and the last one is the ability to not quit even when it gets hard.”
These qualities, district leaders believe, are the foundation of both academic success and responsible citizenship.
That foundation is evident across Pine Tree’s wide range of extracurricular opportunities. UIL Academics stands out as a signature strength, offering students rigorous, cross-curricular learning experiences that extend well beyond traditional coursework.
Pine Tree’s UIL program has sent students to the state meet in ten different contests over the past six years, with alumni pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering, law, nursing, accounting, social work, and education, according to Melissa Gonzalez, the district’s director of marketing. The district’s math and science team has experienced a resurgence at the state level, opening doors for students to attend top-tier universities, she shared. Beginning as early as second grade, students are introduced to academic competition, learning sportsmanship, confidence, and resilience that carry through junior high and high school.
Pine Tree ISD also integrates UIL Academics with its Advanced Placement offerings through the AP Capstone program. As the first school in the area to offer AP Capstone, Pine Tree created a pathway for academically driven students to explore research in their chosen fields, Gonzalez shared. For the past four years, 100 percent of research students have earned AP credit, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for college-level study, she said.
Career and Technical Education programs further expand opportunities. Pine Tree’s Health Science program partners with Christus Good Shepherd, Longview Regional, and local clinics to provide clinical observation experiences, while students graduate with multiple industry certifications. The carpentry program collaborates with Habitat for Humanity and has earned the Craftsmanship Award at a two-day build-off competition in Dallas against other high schools. Meanwhile, the Teaching and Training program offers dual credit through Kilgore College, allowing students to earn up to fifteen college credit hours while gaining hands-on classroom experience as “Teacher Cadets.” As “cadets,” Pine Tree students visit elementary schools to observe teachers and lead small group activities.
The district’s fine arts programs are equally impressive. The Pine Tree Band consistently earns UIL Sweepstakes awards, and the band qualified for the UIL State Marching Band Contest twice in the past three years. Most recently, the band placed 15th out of 250 bands statewide. The Pine Tree Theatre Department has also emerged as a regional leader, producing ambitious shows, advancing students to UIL State and national competitions, and empowering students through senior-directed productions that emphasize leadership and creative ownership, Gonzalez shared.
Beyond academics and performance, Pine Tree ISD is committed to supporting students and families. Signature initiatives such as the Backpack Food Program address food insecurity through community donations, while Pirate Santa has provided Christmas assistance to more than 500 children. Through the Pine Tree Education Foundation and its Pirates of the Pines fundraiser, the district awards student grants that enhance learning opportunities across campuses.
College, career, and military readiness is guided by a dedicated College Readiness Specialist who supports students with postsecondary planning, applications, financial aid, scholarships, and military connections, Gonzalez said. The individualized approach ensures students leave Pine Tree with a clear plan and the tools to pursue it, she noted.
Looking ahead, Pine Tree ISD’s goals are ambitious yet grounded in its core values. Over the next three to five years, the district aims to remain a top competitor in all its endeavors while continuing to shape capable young adults.
“We plan to be a top competitor in every endeavor because we believe that excellence is a direct result of the soft skills we hold dear, and this is preached on a daily basis to our students in pre-K through 12th grade and in every program,” Clugston said.
“We are building successful adults who will create a stronger community and have a positive impact on the world.”
Spring Hill ISD
Building Futures Through Academic Excellence and Leadership
In northern Longview, Spring Hill ISD continues to distinguish itself as a district where academic achievement, career readiness, and student growth go hand in hand.
Serving students from primary through high school, Spring Hill ISD has built a strong reputation for offering rigorous academics, award-winning extracurricular programs, and innovative pathways that prepare graduates for college, careers, and beyond.
At the heart of Spring Hill’s success is a commitment to academic excellence for each of its 1,943 students.
Students in grades 2–12 regularly compete in Academic UIL events, building strong foundations in critical thinking, problem-solving, and subject-area mastery, said Sarah Robinson, the district’s communications specialist.
The district has also established itself as a leader in math and science competitions. Spring Hill Junior High and High School students participate annually in the Texas Math Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) 4A State Meet, where they consistently rank among the top teams statewide. During the 2024–2025 school year, Spring Hill High School students earned top honors at the state meet, while junior high students finished fourth overall, Robinson said.
Advanced academic opportunities are a hallmark of the district. Spring Hill ISD celebrates yearly AP Capstone graduates, AP Scholar Award recipients, and students recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars.
Dual credit courses are widely available at the high school level, allowing students to earn college credit in core academic areas and Career and Technical Education fields through partnerships such as Kilgore College.
Innovation begins early in Spring Hill ISD. At Spring Hill Primary and Intermediate schools, students participate in dedicated STEM Labs where science, technology, engineering, and math are blended into hands-on, project-based learning, Robinson shared. Activities such as coding and stop-motion technology help spark curiosity and creativity at a young age. Students also participate in the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, with state finalists recognized during the 2024-2025 school year.
The district’s Gifted and Talented program provides qualifying students with enriched learning experiences from invention conventions and mock trials to student-led research projects. Leadership and character development is further reinforced through organizations such as the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society, which emphasize scholarship, service, leadership, and citizenship.
Preparing students for life after high school is a central focus at Spring Hill ISD. The district emphasizes career readiness through robust CTE programs of study that begin as early as junior high.
“Spring Hill ISD emphasizes career readiness through extensive, high-demand CTE programs of study that help students gain real-world skills, technical knowledge, and industry credentials before graduating,” Robinson said. “Students can take courses in areas like Culinary Arts, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Diagnostics, Welding, Carpentry, and Digital Communications.”
Nearly all high school students enroll in at least one CTE course, with many completing multiple courses within a pathway and earning industry-recognized certifications that enhance employability, she noted.
One standout CTE success is the district’s award-winning welding program. During
the 2024-2025 school year, Spring Hill students competed in the Texas High School Welding Series State Championship, Robinson
noted. Another unique program, The Spill, provides seniors with on-campus employment opportunities to develop real-world
workplace skills.
Meanwhile, Spring Hill High School Life Skills students are gaining employability skills through their classroom business, Panther Candle Company.
“Students have made 1,945 candles since they started,” Robinson shared. “They have received invitations to sell at markets. The class also uses the funds they earn to give back to the community. For example, they used some of the money they received early during the school year to shop for food for the Spring Hill ISD Backpack Program. They also used their funds to support the 2025 Gregg County Special Education Field Day.”
Fine arts and extracurricular programs thrive across the district. Spring Hill’s band programs earn sweepstakes recognition annually, with the junior high leading the region in All-Region Band selections in 2025. The high school band, the Blue Brigade, is a state bronze medalist military marching band. Theater, visual arts, dance, and choir also shine, with junior high theater placing second in Academic UIL One Act Play and art students earning top honors at the Junior Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE).
Athletics is another point of pride for Spring Hill ISD. The Spring Hill High School baseball team won the 2025 UIL 4A Division II Baseball State Championship. In the fall of 2025, the district unveiled a commemorative monument at the baseball field for the state championship team.
Student leaders are also recognized, with the high school Student Council earning both the Sweepstakes Award Winning Council and the National Council of Excellence in 2025.
Spring Hill ISD’s achievements extend beyond competitions and awards. District students consistently perform above state and regional averages on state assessments, and campuses have earned multiple TEA Distinction Designations, Robinson said. The district also received a superior rating through the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), reflecting strong fiscal stewardship.
Looking ahead, Spring Hill ISD’s vision for the next three to five years is “to prepare every student to achieve their passion and purpose by providing every student with a future-ready education,” Robinson said.
By combining academic rigor, career-focused pathways, leadership development, and community engagement, Spring Hill ISD continues to shape well-rounded graduates equipped for success in college, the workforce, and life beyond the classroom.
Public Schools
East Texas Charter School
East Texas Charter School is a public, tuition-free school in operation since 1999. We serve students in grades 9-12 under the direction of the Texas Education Agency. Students earn a traditional high school diploma and must meet all state requirements of any Texas school district. The faculty and staff specialize in the area of building relationships with students that help nurture them to become the young adults they may not yet see in themselves. Students participate in UIL academics and athletics at the 2A level. Class sizes range from 8 to 16 students. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is at the foundation of every decision at ETCS. Come see us at the most beautiful and clean campus in East Texas
Hallsville ISD
Hallsville ISD is located in the western part of Harrison County, some seven miles east of Longview and thirteen miles west of Marshall on U.S. Highway 80. HISD has six (6) brick and mortar campuses, servicing just under 5,000 students. HISD also operates a virtual academy (Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville), that services approximately 15,000 students across the state of Texas. Hallsville ISD and every campus in the district continue the academic excellence that has been a hallmark of the district for decades. Hallsville ISD is the only district in Texas recognized by Solution Tree as a Model PLC District. Four of the district’s campuses have also been individually recognized as Model PLC campuses. The district was named the #22 school district in the state of Texas in the Niche Report.
Longview ISD
Longview Independent School District is the largest and most comprehensive district around, with more than 8,400 students and 1,400 staffers. The district offers unparalleled academic and extracurricular opportunities for students from K-12, and is one of the few school districts in the country to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme. LISD has built the biggest Montessori School in the state. Longview High School offers more Pre-AP and Advanced Placement courses than any other school in the area, allowing students to earn college credit. Each year, the district sees an increase in National Merit, GLOBE, and Advanced Placement Scholars.
Pine Tree ISD
Pine Tree Independent School District proudly educates students with the mission to continue a tradition of excellence by providing a high-quality and challenging educational environment, maximizing opportunities for the success of all students, equipping them to become responsible, involved and productive citizens. The district, established in 1847, currently consists of seven campuses with approximately 4,500 students. Pine Tree ISD offers a variety of specialty courses and activities within a comprehensive, rigorous, and balanced curriculum.
Spring Hill ISD
The vision of Spring Hill Independent School District is to prepare every student to achieve their passion and purpose. Located in Longview, Texas, the district serves approximately 2,000 students on four campuses. Focused on engaged learning and student success, Spring Hill ISD offers an array of academic programs including Gifted and Talented, Career and Technology, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit courses, as well as Athletics, Fine Arts and extracurricular programs. Spring Hill ISD – Providing every student with a future ready education.
UT Tyler Longview University Academy
The UT Tyler University Academy at Longview is a K–12 public university lab charter school dedicated to integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into daily classroom learning. Our project-based instructional model and rigorous academic environment equip students with the critical 21st-century skills needed for future success.
Private Schools
Christian Heritage Classical School
Christian Heritage School was founded upon a tradition of Christian beliefs. Its mission is to provide excellence in classical, Christ-centered, college preparatory education while working together with the home to develop within all students the ability to reason Biblically while equipping them to fulfill their God-given calling in life. We serve 320 students in grades K4-12 and offer a variety of activities in the fine arts, including chorale and strings; as well as sports, including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis, track, volleyball, cheerleading, cross country and golf. Come discover the difference of a classical, Christ-centered education!
Longview Christian School
Founded in 1982, the educators at Longview Christian School strive to partner with Christian families in the training of their children by pursuing excellence in faith and education. LCS offers a traditional K-12th fully accredited, educational program including athletics and fine arts, all taught from a biblical worldview. The LCS Early Learning Center welcomes children six weeks – Pre-K and provides a loving environment where learning is fun. Total LCS enrollment is over 425 students and growing. We invite you to call and schedule a visit to our campus. We would love to give you a tour and share more about the Christ-centered educational excellence at Longview Christian School!
Oak Forest Montessori School
The Oak Forest Montessori School was established in 1981 and offers a year round program for students eight weeks through Kindergarten. An after school program for Kindergarten through fifth grade area public school students is also available. The Montessori environment has been designed to accommodate students of all levels of ability. Each classroom is equipped with an array of sequential materials to be used as tools in learning. The advantages of individualized instruction are enhanced by curriculum that includes math, language and phonics, sensorial exercises, and practical life activities. Children also receive instruction in motor skills, art history, geography, botany, and science. OFMS maintains its accreditation through Cognia, formerly known as AdvancED SACS CASI, and all guides are held to the highest standards.
St. Mary’s Catholic School
At St. Mary’s Catholic School, we partner with parents in forming disciples committed to faith, scholarship, leadership, and service. St. Mary’s Catholic School provides a nurturing atmosphere for every child through a variety of fine arts, comprehensive athletic programs, gifted and talented enrichment, and dyslexia and reading recovery intervention in a safe, bully-free, Christian environment since 1948. Offering PK3 – grade 12, our school is fully accredited and our teachers are highly qualified and certified. My Fair Share grants and parish subsidies support affordability for all families.
Trinity School of Texas
Trinity School of Texas is Longview’s premier private Christian college preparatory school, and has been serving Longview since 1957. Trinity offers classes for students 2 years old through 12th grade. Students are offered a robust curriculum in core academics as well as athletics, fine arts, and enrichment opportunities. Trinity offers state of the art, hands-on science learning for all grades, concert band and concert choir and intensive writing programs. Trinity offers dual credit courses in Upper School and more Advanced Placement courses than any other school in the area. Trinity graduates have 100% college acceptance rates, and 133 seniors since 2018 have collectively earned more than $35,000,000+ in merit based scholarships. Trinity promises to know, love, and prepare your child.
Higher Education
Kilgore College
Kilgore College is committed to delivering top-tier educational opportunities that empower students to become leaders in their fields. With campuses in Kilgore and Longview, KC offers a comprehensive educational experience that combines academic programs, health sciences, and workforce training to prepare students for the evolving demands of today’s job market. Through strong partnerships with regional universities such as UT Tyler, Kilgore College provides clear transfer pathways that allow students to begin their education locally and continue seamlessly toward advanced degrees. With a focus on academic excellence, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, KC fosters an environment where students can thrive in and out of the classroom while gaining the tools needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global communities. Ranked in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” for over two decades, LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines and delivery models. Its residential campus is in Longview, Texas, with its School of Aviation and Aeronautical Science located at the East Texas Regional Airport (GGG).
UT Tyler Longview University Center
The University of Texas at Tyler Longview University Center is home to one of the top nursing programs in the region. BSN students attend traditional face-to-face courses on the Longview campus, taught by full-time, fully accredited, on-site faculty members. The LUC is an ideal destination for students transferring from regional community colleges, including Kilgore College, through established transfer pathways that allow students to seamlessly continue their education and complete their bachelor’s degree close to home.
