How it works
Highlands Elementary will open this fall as a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Program. For its inaugural school year, the campus will accept 50 students per grade level—first through fifth grade—for a total of 250 students, according to information on the New Caney ISD website.
Applications will be reviewed by a NCISD committee, and students who meet all criteria will be entered into a lottery system and randomly selected for admission. Those not selected will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a seat becomes available.
Officials noted students who reside within the designated attendance zone for Highlands Elementary do not need to apply.
What you need to know
According to the district website, applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria will be entered into a lottery for selection:
- Students must have an attendance rate of at least 90% and no more than four unexcused absences in the previous school year.
- Students must not have any discipline incidents on record for the prior year.
- Students must reside within NCISD's boundaries and have completed the prior academic year in a Texas Education Agency-accredited school.
- Students and parents must commit to active participation in Highlands Elementary's comprehensive, STEM-infused program.
The application period for the 2025-26 school year opened Jan. 20 and will close Feb. 7. Parents will be notified of their child's acceptance by email Feb. 21 and must accept their children's enrollment within seven days of receiving notification, according to information on the district's website.
Going forward
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year and beyond, transfer applications will only be accepted for first grade. The application window will open the first Monday of November at 8 a.m. and close the first Friday of December at midnight each year.
