IDEA Public Schools is a not-for-profit charter school operator running a network of tuition-free public schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 2000 in Weslaco, Texas, with an initial cohort of 150 students, the organisation now serves nearly 87,000 students across 143 schools in 11 regions, including operations in Texas, Florida, and Ohio.
The network focuses on preparing students from low-income backgrounds and those who would be the first in their families to attend college. For over 16 consecutive years, IDEA has sent nearly 100% of its graduates to college. Schools within the network have received recognition from The Washington Post, the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools programme, and U.S. News & World Report's Top High Schools lists.
IDEA's stated mission is to transform education so that all children can succeed in college and beyond. The organisation operates on the principle that every child can achieve academic success when given the opportunity.
