By PR Specialist, Li Wen Su
In a momentous achievement for the Alief Independent School District and the broader Houston community, Alief Early College High School (AECHS) has been named a National ESEA Distinguished School for 2024, a distinction earned by only two schools in the entire state of Texas. This national honor, bestowed by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), recognizes schools for outstanding academic performance and their efforts in closing achievement gaps among student groups. “We are proud of our students and staff for their continued commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Brandi Brotherton, Director of Advanced Academics and Post-Secondary Outcomes and former AECHS principal. “Being honored with this prestigious award solidifies that hard work pays off and that when you operate in excellence, the outcomes take care of themselves. Thank you to the Alief ISD Board of Trustees and the Alief community for your continued support of our students and their success.”
This recognition places AECHS among a select group of schools nationwide that are setting the standard for excellence in education, equity, and innovation. Each year, the National ESEA Distinguished Schools program highlights just a handful of campuses across the country that are making a measurable difference in student outcomes—especially for those traditionally underserved by the education system. For AECHS, this award is a testament to a deeply rooted culture of opportunity, rigorous academics, and a passionate commitment to student success.
Alief Early College High School, located in the heart of Alief ISD, operates in partnership with Houston Community College to offer a unique dual-enrollment model. This allows students the chance to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate degree—at no cost to them. The school primarily serves economically disadvantaged and first-generation college-bound students, providing a gateway to higher education that might otherwise feel out of reach.
More than 80% of AECHS students are classified as economically disadvantaged, and over 60% are English Language Learners. Despite these challenges, the school has achieved exceptional results: a 100% graduation rate, strong performance on state assessments, and impressive college matriculation rates. In an era where access and achievement don’t always go hand in hand, AECHS has proven that intentional design and focused support can make all the difference.
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 20:1, allowing for personalized instruction and deep engagement. Beyond academics, students participate in leadership programs, STEM academies like the Citgo Innovation Academy, AVID college-preparatory courses, and extracurriculars ranging from robotics and mock trial to community service clubs and cultural organizations.
The ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) Title I program has played a crucial role in AECHS’s journey. Federal funds have supported technology enhancements, teacher professional development, tutoring, college readiness initiatives, and more. These resources help bridge gaps and ensure that all students—regardless of background—can thrive in a rigorous academic environment. “It is an honor to be one of two Title I schools in Texas to be recognized this year, and the first high school to ever receive this recognition from TEA!,” said Matt Skiles, AECHS principal. “We hope to continue building on the foundation of excellence laid by Dr. Brandi Brotherton and our amazing staff and student body. This is an incredible recognition of all the great work happening here in Alief ISD.”
The school’s commitment to equity is evident in how it uses data to identify and respond to student needs. Teachers collaborate closely in professional learning communities, using frequent assessments to guide instruction and intervention. The result: students at AECHS are not only meeting expectations—they’re exceeding them.
Parents and alumni also share in the pride. Former student Maria Lopez, now a junior at a Texas university, said, “AECHS changed my life. I graduated with a two-year degree, and I felt ready for college in a way I never thought I would. I’m so proud to be part of this legacy.”