Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell has proclaimed Jan. 13–20 Harmony Public Schools Week in honor of the charter system's high-performing student body.

"Harmony has been a bright spot in a sometimes dismal picture in our education picture across the entire United States," Leffingwell said. "They specialize in the STEM studies, science, technology, engineering and math. We know that's what we desperately need in this country, and we appreciate what you do."

Debby McClure, Harmony's Austin area outreach director, said the children were excited to be a part of the proclamation, which took place during the Jan. 12 Austin City Council meeting at City Hall. Harmony Public Schools operates five campuses in Austin.

"Harmony is a shining light in the state of Texas, and [students] are getting a lot out of their education," she said.

She hopes the proclamation will help start a dialogue with parents who are not familiar with Harmony Public Schools. She said a lot of people do not realize they are public schools.

"It's a private school setting, but it is a public school," McClure said.

Harmony Public Schools, the largest charter school system in Texas, was founded about a decade ago and now has 36 campuses with more than 20,000 students across the state. It opened its newest Austin campus in August at 13415 RM 620.

The mayor also touted Harmony's 100 percent college acceptance rate and zero percent dropout rate.

"Harmony believes in parental involvement as a core value, and its dedicated teachers work with students and their families to help all students achieve to their highest potential," said Gina Gregory, principal of Harmony Science Academy at 930 E. Rundberg Lane, during the proclamation.

Students presented the mayor with a piece of artwork for their thanks. The artwork depicts "Keep Austin Weird + educated."

For more information on Harmony Public Schools, visit www.harmonytx.org/schools/austin.