Leading the Way in STEM: Harmony South Texas Receives PLTW Distinguished District Award

Harmony Public Schools South Texas has been named a 2025-26 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished District, recognizing the district's commitment to expanding student access, engagement and achievement in STEM education.

The recognition is awarded to districts that demonstrate excellence in implementing PLTW programs and providing students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for future success.

Harmony Public Schools South Texas was one of five Harmony districts across Texas to receive the Distinguished District designation. The recognition highlights Harmony's systemwide commitment to preparing students for college, careers and lifelong success through innovative STEM education.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, teachers and staff to creating meaningful STEM learning experiences every day," said Selcuk Bakir, area superintendent for Harmony Public Schools South Texas. "By providing access to Project Lead The Way programs and hands-on STEM opportunities beginning in Pre-K, we are helping students develop the critical-thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills they need to succeed in college, careers and beyond."

Project Lead The Way is a nonprofit organization that provides transformative learning experiences for students in Pre-K through grade 12. Through its programs, students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration and critical thinking while exploring real-world applications of STEM concepts.

The Distinguished District recognition reflects Harmony Public Schools South Texas' commitment to educational equity and its belief that all students should have access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities. By integrating STEM instruction and PLTW experiences beginning in Pre-K, the district ensures students across its campuses are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

As a public charter school district serving students in San Antonio, Laredo and Brownsville, Harmony Public Schools South Texas continues to provide a student-centered educational program with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Statewide, Harmony Public Schools celebrated a milestone achievement with 52 campuses earning PLTW Distinguished Program School recognition and all five Harmony districts receiving Distinguished District awards for the 2025-26 school year.

Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system employing roughly 4,000 school professionals statewide. Harmony’s South Texas District offers 9 campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in three South Texas cities, including San Antonio, Laredo, and Brownsville. The school’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, character education, project-based learning, and college readiness.

Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year for both students and team members.