The Valley has a large number of public and private institutions of learning, running the gamut from preschool to graduate school. No matter what your educational needs, you can find what you’re looking for here.

Approximately 278,000 students are currently enrolled in public schools in the Valley’s 32 school districts, many of which have been singled out for special recognition. Throughout the Rio Grande Valley, both educators and students are continuing in their quest for educational excellence, and students are mastering state-mandated tests.

A unique academic experience is available to students who wish to be part of the acclaimed South Texas Independent School District. This magnet program consists of three high schools with academic offerings tailored to students who are pursuing special careers. The South Texas High School for Health Professions prepares them for medical careers. The Science Academy works in conjunction with Baylor and Rice Universities. The Teacher Academy prepares students for careers in education.

More information on Rio Grande Valley public schools can be obtained from the respective school districts or from the Region One Education Service Center, (956) 984-6000.

The area also has a number of private schools affiliated with Protestant or Catholic churches, as well as secular private schools. Montessori education is available through junior high school in Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen. McAllen’s Discovery School is the largest Montessori school in South Texas.

The Marine Military Academy in Harlingen is the only college preparatory school in the country based on the customs and traditions of the United States Marine Corps. It draws students from all over the United States and numerous foreign countries.

College-bound students can choose from several schools in the Rio Grande Valley. Texas State Technical College in Harlingen offers over 30 different technical study programs in fields related to business, health care, computer technology, electronics manufacturing and industrial service. The college also offers general education courses transferable to four-year universities as well as adult continuing education courses. Since its founding, TSTC Harlingen has grown into a 125-acre campus with over 10,000 full or part-time and contract training students. (956) 364-4000.

South Texas College, with campuses in McAllen, Weslaco, and Rio Grande City, is a comprehensive institution offering associate degrees and certificates in over 80 different programs and courses transferable to four-year colleges and universities. New programs are developed and implemented based on identified workforce needs established through labor market research. Financial aid is available.

STC has articulation agreements with the University of Texas Pan American, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the University of Texas at San Antonio and many other universities, allowing for seamless transfer. Its enrollment has reached 16,000 students, making it one of the fastest growing colleges in the state. (956) 618-8311.

The Valley’s largest institution of higher education, The University of Texas-Pan American is located in Edinburg. It has a current enrollment of over 18,000 students in 49 bachelor’s programs. Over 70 years old and the state’s 10th largest, the school has added four-year degree programs in mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering.

An associate degree in nursing is offered as well as a four-year nursing degree. In addition to the nursing curriculum, a four-year Bachelor of Science degree is offered in healthcare administration and medical records.

UT-Pan American also offers 41 masters’ degrees, including degrees in anthropology, art, psychology and social work. Doctoral programs are available in business administration and educational administration, plus a doctorate of pharmacy in cooperation with UT-Austin. (956) 381-2011.

A historic partnership between the upper-level UT Brownsville and the lower-level Texas Southmost College, a community college in Brownsville, resulted in The University of Texas at Brownsville, a unique addition to The University of Texas system. The two institutions had shared campus facilities and faculty since 1973 when UT Brownsville opened its doors as an upperlevel extension center of Pan America University in Edinburg. In the fall of 1998, UT Brownsville became a four-year university and enrolled freshmen in education, engineering technology, business and music programs.

The partnership offers students in the lower Rio Grande Valley the opportunity to pursue the kinds of programs and degrees offered by a four-year institution without eliminating the vocational/technical, developmental education and continuing education programs traditionally offered by a community college. It has an enrollment of more than 11,000. (956) 544-8231.

The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) is a nonprofit organization in McAllen that makes loans to South Texans who need financial assistance for college. Students or their parents may call COSTEP for assistance in completing the cumbersome Student Financial Aid application and transmitting it electronically for quicker response. COSTEP can also provide information on private scholarships. (956) 682-6371.