Achieve Early College High School in McAllen, Texas on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Achieve Early College High School","outOfStateSupporters":7.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9081642,"projectId":9748347,"letterContent":"The donation of testing dividers to my classroom has had a significant and transformative impact on both the learning environment and the academic confidence of my students. While they may seem like a small addition to the classroom, these dividers have become an essential tool that supports fairness, focus, and a sense of personal responsibility during testing and independent work. Their presence has helped foster a climate where students feel more comfortable, more respected, and better positioned to demonstrate what they truly know.\r\n\r\nOne of the most immediate benefits has been a noticeable reduction in distractions. In a high school setting—especially in a science classroom where collaboration and hands‑on activities are common—students are used to working closely together. However, during tests or independent assignments, that same proximity can make it challenging for some students to stay focused. The testing dividers create a personal workspace that helps minimize visual distractions and keeps each student centered on their task. For many of my learners, especially those who struggle with attention, this simple barrier has resulted in improved concentration and a more accurate reflection of their abilities.\r\n\r\nThe dividers have also enhanced students' sense of academic integrity. When students feel their testing space is secure and private, they are less worried about peers glancing in their direction or misinterpreting accidental eye contact. This reduces anxiety, which is especially important for students who already feel pressured during exams. Instead of being concerned about how others perceive them or about potential misunderstandings, students can focus solely on answering questions to the best of their knowledge. Creating an environment where integrity is supported not by suspicion but by structure has contributed to a more positive testing culture overall.\r\nIn addition, the dividers support students with diverse learning needs. Learners who experience test anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or who require a more controlled environment benefit greatly from a defined personal space. The dividers help create that space without singling anyone out. Everyone has access to the same tool, which normalizes accommodations and builds a more inclusive classroom environment. The donation has helped remove barriers for students who may otherwise feel overwhelmed in more open or visually busy settings.\r\n\r\nThe practical advantages extend beyond testing days. I frequently use the dividers during labs requiring independent data analysis, writing prompts, or moments when students simply need their own mental workspace. Their versatility has added a level of structure that supports productivity during a variety of instructional activities, not just assessments.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the donated testing dividers have enriched my classroom by promoting fairness, supporting focus, and reducing anxiety. They have strengthened both the physical and emotional environment in which my students learn. By providing a simple tool that encourages independence and integrity, the donation has had a meaningful and lasting impact on my students' academic experience. I am deeply grateful for this support, which has helped create a more equitable and supportive learning space for all.","fullyFundedDate":1758743232850,"projectUrl":"project/shield-to-succeed-enhancing-classroom-t/9748347/","projectTitle":"Shield to Succeed: Enhancing Classroom Testing","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9081642_orig.jpg?crop=2068,2068,x0,y227&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687444132115","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9081642"},{"teacherId":9081642,"projectId":9040099,"letterContent":"Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your generous donations toward the purchase of a color printer for my classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the learning experience of my students, and we are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nHaving a color printer has opened up new opportunities for creativity, engagement, and enhanced learning. From vibrant handouts to colorful student projects and visual aids, this new addition has brought our classroom to life in ways we could only imagine before. It's amazing how something as simple as color can help make lessons more memorable and inspiring for learners.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and willingness to invest in our classroom is deeply appreciated. Thank you for believing in my students and in the power of education. Your generosity will continue to make a positive impact every day.","fullyFundedDate":1736987312189,"projectUrl":"project/color-the-spectrum-of-learning/9040099/","projectTitle":"Color the Spectrum of Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9081642_orig.jpg?crop=2068,2068,x0,y227&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687444132115","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9081642"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_100992","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":410,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":96,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"17.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":92.9,"schoolId":100992,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Achieve Early College High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Achieve Early College High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/mcallen-independent-school-district/achieve-early-college-high-school/100992"}

About this school

Achieve Early College High School is an urban public school in McAllen, Texas that is part of McAllen Independent School District. It serves 410 students in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.8:1. Its teachers have had 7 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 9 - 12

410 Students

23 Teachers

1601 N 27th St

McAllen, TX 78501 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Achieve Early College High School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Achieve Early College High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

See how DonorsChoose works

Achieve Early College High School Demographics

93%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

97%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Achieve Early College High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Feb 9, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.