Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs available to students at Comal ISD schools including Medical Science.
Benjamin Franklin is known to have said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” In Bulverde Spring Branch, we know the most powerful investment a community can make is in the education of its children.
Benjamin Franklin is known to have said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” In Bulverde Spring Branch, we know the most powerful investment a community can make is in the education of its children.
The cornerstone of our children’s lives and community’s future, education is the route to success. Our schools create students who are knowledgeable, confident and independent citizens.
A commitment to learning begins with an evolution of learning opportunities and options for all children. With a variety of educational choices ranging from an outstanding public school system to private schools and nearby colleges and universities, residents have many choices to achieve their educational goals.
Bulverde Spring Branch is proud of the opportunities offered by the Comal Independent School District. A fast-growing, innovative district with more than 24,900 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, it encompasses 30 schools within 589 square miles.
Comal ISD offers an excellent gifted/talented program, career and technology offerings, dual high school/college enrollment, a wide range of special education services, a strong emphasis on teacher training, and outstanding fine arts, agricultural and athletic programs.
Students within Comal ISD have a 97.1% graduation rate and 100% take the SAT. Located in Spring Branch, Smithson Valley High School has a 99.1% graduation rate.
Comal ISD provides a strong educational foundation offering both remote and on-campus learning. A suite of digital resources promotes an effective virtual learning environment that keeps students interested and active.
Parents enroll students through the Skyward portal giving them access to their child’s school information including grades, class schedules and attendance. Learning platforms include Seesaw for grades Pre-K through five and Google Classroom or ECHO for grades 6 through 12.
For 2020-2021, students will also utilize ClassLink, an online learning platform, which allows students to quickly access a variety of digital resources with one login.
Along with high academic standards, Comal ISD promotes a well-rounded educational experience for students. Personalized learning approaches include Dual Credit and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) programs. In addition, a broad range of Advanced Placement courses are offered, spanning subjects from chemistry and computer science to English literature and microeconomics.
Numerous school-sponsored, extra-curricular activities support a healthy, family-centered lifestyle. The district also has an extensive Community Education program for adults and school-age students in the region. Affordable courses offer opportunities for professional development, participation in group activities and cultural enrichment.
Comal County is growing, and as the population of the region climbs upward, student enrollment is keeping pace. In fact, admission is growing at an average of 4.5 percent per year, making ongoing district and community planning a must.
To meet the demands of its growing student population, CISD opened two new middle schools in 2018. One relieved overcrowding at Canyon Middle School; the other relieved student congestion at Spring Branch and Smithson Valley Middle Schools. Currently two new high schools are under construction. High School #4 will be located in Garden Ridge to relieve overcrowding at Canyon High School. High School #5, located next to Pieper Ranch Middle School, will relieve overburdened Smithson Valley High School. The two schools are scheduled to open in August 2020 and August 2021 respectively.
Community partnerships strengthen educational opportunities, and the Comal Education Foundation helps support the district, working to enrich learning and expand educational opportunities so all CISD students can excel. The organization’s funding is received through donations from corporate partners, parents, CISD employees, private grants and other community organizations.
Did You Know?
With an average yearly growth rate of 1,000 students, Comal Independent School District continues to expand to meet the needs of area families. Just opened in 2020 is Davenport High School located on FM 3009 and Schoenthal Road in the Garden Ridge area adjacent to Smithson Valley. Also, starting its second year is Pieper Ranch Middle School, the district’s first New Tech Network campus. Here students have opportunities to collaborate across classes and work as teams or individually with project-based learning.
Comal County is growing, and as the population of the region climbs upward, student enrollment is keeping pace. In fact, admission is growing at an average of 4.5 percent per year, making ongoing district and community planning a must.
The Hill Country College Preparatory High School Staff.
Alternative Education Options
Parents seeking an independent school for their family can turn to private and preparatory institutes. Hill Country Montessori provides toddler through middle school programs built on the Montessori model of respect, sharing and trust.
Bracken Christian School offers K-12 students a quality education within the context of a biblical worldview. Another area Christian school, Gloria Deo Academy, serves K-12 students with a program that follows a university-style schedule.
The Living Rock Academy in Bulverde seeks to instill an understanding that both academic and spiritual growth are life-long processes and continue past formal education. In addition, the school utilizes the latest technology from Apple to offer an innovative learning experience
The region is also home to a thriving home-school community. The Hill Country Christian Homeschoolers is an active support group with more than 200 families taking part in a number of social and educational opportunities including field trips, weekly park days, academic classes and more. The organization supports different types of homeschooling, from traditional curriculum-at-home, to virtual learning and supplemental private programs outside of the home.
Expanded Education
Students looking to the future are in luck. Advanced education is available just around the corner. In fact, 26 higher education institutions are located in New Braunfels and San Antonio, including Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center, Texas A & M University-San Antonio, and University of Texas at San Antonio.
Workforce and technical training are available in nearby New Braunfels. A partnership between Alamo Colleges, New Braunfels 4B Economic Development Board and the Seguin 4A Economic Development Board, brings access to learning opportunities at the Central Texas Technology Center. The facility provides an avenue for area residents to attain entry-level and advanced technical skills through a variety of short-term workforce training programs, college core courses, occupational training, ESL and GED classes.
Health and Science
Redefining healthcare is the non-profit Healthcare, Innovation and Science Centre (HIS Centre). Once under the umbrella of Bulverde Spring Branch Emergency Services, the Centre offers experiential learning and research through three core areas.
The Centre for Emergency Health Sciences (cEHS) offers focused procedural and training efforts from the point of injury to the operating room. Participants are military and civilian healthcare professionals, including first responders, law enforcement officers, nurses, mid-level practitioners and physicians. Regional high school students and teachers also attend.
Community Health Programs take a prevention-driven approach to health and offer science and wellness knowledge. In a single year, programs served the needs of 408 uninsured and underserved community patients.
The Centre’s Wellness on Wheels mobile medical clinic and educational facility offers community wellness checks and medical assistance at events and locations throughout Bulverde Spring Branch.
Education is the pathway to the future. Preparing a new generation for career goals, as well as providing continuing education for workers in an ever-changing job environment, is a priority for the Bulverde Spring Branch education community. Together these diverse institutions offer a stimulating environment for children and promote well-rounded learning development.