About Us
History
The Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies (formally known as Texas Academy) is a unique and progressive program that offers high school students who are academically focused and highly motivated an opportunity to enroll in university-level courses while completing their last two years of high school.
Enabled by legislation authored by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and approved by the 79th Texas Legislature in 2005, the Academy highlights TAMIU's position as a catalyst of change that has empowered thousands of graduates from around the world to realize their infinite possibilities over 40 years.
Texas A&M International University celebrated the unveiling of the new name for the Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy of International and Stem Studies on September 5, 2018.
Mission & Goals
The mission of the Staggs Academy of International Studies is to offer an innovative and accelerated curriculum for motivated Texas high school students.
The Academy seeks to encourage students to provide a challenging environment that will promote creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, self-discipline that lead to independent thought and action. The academy’s goal is to develop students with character, commitment, integrity, and purpose to create resilient citizens of our society.
For more information and details please read :
Learn more about our Julieta and Frank Staggs Biography:
Additional Resources
Staff Directory
Superintendent
Mayra L. Peña, Ph.D.
Director, Staggs Academy
Superintendent, TAMIU ISD
PLG 215B
956.326.2861
mayra.pena@tamiu.edu
Biography
Dr. Mayra L. Peña currently serves as the director of the Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies and superintendent of Texas A&M International University I.S.D. Prior to this work, Dr. Peña served as Director of Field and Clinical Experiences/Instructional Assistant Professor in the College of Education. Dr. Peña holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, a master's degree in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Dr. Peña holds certifications in Bilingual/ESL Spanish grades (PH-6), Elementary Self-Contained Grades (PK-6), Principal (EC-12), and Superintendent (EC-12).
Previous to her work at TAMIU, Dr. Peña served in both teaching and administrative roles in Texas public school districts. Dr. Peña was a classroom teacher with Laredo Independent School District. She also served as a Curriculum/Staff Development Resources Specialist with L.I.S.D. at which time she also served as an adjunct professor in the College of Education prior to joining TAMIU full-time. Dr. Peña is dedicated to the Laredo community and is actively involved in The Laredo Rotary Club as an acting board member and upcoming 2023-2024 president as well a member of the Laredo Federal Credit Union Board of Directors.
Background
- TAMIU Employee since 2005
- Ph.D - Curriculum and Instruction, Texas A&M Corpus Christi
- M.S. Bilingual Education, Texas A&M International University
- B.A. Psychology, University of Texas San Antonio
- B.S. Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
- Certifications- Superintendent, Principalship, Bilingual/ESL Elementary, Education EC-6
Counselor
Naiely M. Saldaña
Counselor
PLG 215E
956.326.2862
naiely.saldana@tamiu.edu
Biography
Naiely M. Saldaña is the Counselor for the Staggs Academy. Mrs. Saldaña joins us with expertise in the dual credit curriculum, advising, counseling, and mentoring realms. Previously, she served as the Associate Director for the Office of Recruitment and School Relations at TAMIU. During her tenure as Associate Director, Saldaña worked closely with the Laredo Early College High School and served students in a widely similar scenario such as the ones our students face. With over five years of experience in higher education, Mrs. Saldaña is a strong advocate for student success. Through her position, she oversees the academic progress and performance of the students. She is also responsible for our chapter of the National Honor Society.
Background
- TAMIU Employee since 2009
- M.S. School Counseling, Texas A&M International University, 2013
- B.A. Communication, Minor in Studio Arts, Texas A&M International University, 2009
- Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Texas
Student Services Coordinator
Anna Castillo
Student Services Coordinator
PLG 215A
956.326.2864
anna.castillo@tamiu.edu
Biography
Anna Castillo is the Student Services Coordinator for Staggs Academy. Mrs. Castillo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in Deaf Studies from the University of Texas Pan-American (UTRGV). Through her position, she organizes & coordinates all activities associated with student development. Mrs. Castillo also assists the Director & Counselor in areas of recruitment, admissions, scheduling, and college readiness activities.
Administrative Associate
Ilse Cortez
Administrative Associate III
PLG 215
956.326.2860
ilse.cortez@tamiu.edu
Biography
Ilse Cortez is the Administrative Associate for Staggs Academy. Ms. Cortez holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders from Texas A&M International University. She coordinates all office activities and provides support to the principal, counselor and student services coordinator.
Staggs FAQs
Located on the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) campus, the Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies (formally Texas Academy) is an additional option for high school students in this region. High school juniors and seniors will be able to complete their last two years of high school while earning college credit.
The Academy was created by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and authorized by the 79th Texas Legislature in 2005. The Academy is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (THECB)
Students who apply and meet our automatic admissions requirements will be automatically accepted. If that is not the case, then the student’s application will go through a holistic review.
Upon completion of their two years in the Academy, students will have earned their advanced high school diploma (DLA) concurrently with college credits toward a bachelor’s degree. TAMIU credits are transferable to any public universities/colleges in the state of Texas. Transferability varies to private institutions.
Students are responsible for a program charge of $750/per semester. However, this charge may be waived after a complete Financial Wavier application is approved.
Students must meet the degree requirements set by the Texas Education Agency for the Distinguished Level Achievement Plan (DLA). Courses from the previous high school and university will count toward the high school diploma. Academy graduates can earn between 60 - 68 college credit hours and must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
All courses offered at the Academy are University courses taught by university faculty. The mission of Staggs Academy is to offer an innovative and accelerated curriculum for motivated Texas high school students. Students will begin their coursework with TAMIU’s core curriculum requirements, and their academic plan will vary according to their major of choice.
No, the Texas Education Agency will waive the last STAAR exam.
Students will follow their class schedule as would any other TAMIU student. Attendance will be noted by signing in at the Staggs Academy office in PLG 215, by 10:00 AM each morning, and must maintain a five-day presence (Monday-Friday).
Staggs Academy is located on the TAMIU campus in Anthony J. and Georgia Pellegrino Hall, room 215 (offices) and room 205 (classroom).
Yes, students will be able to participate in university life. Some organizations offer numerous leadership and service opportunities, from Student Government to campus clubs, to musical and theatrical groups and intramural athletics.
The Academy does not offer transportation to its students. It is the student’s family responsibility to transport their student to and from the Academy.
Eligibility is for students to be Texas Residents, but citizenship may vary. Please call our office for more information.