Felicia Adams, Superintendent, Southwest Public Schools
Serving a student body that speaks more than 23 languages, Houston’s Southwest Public Schools is committed to individualized, culturally responsive education, an approach that not only drives student achievement but also strengthens the city’s economic future. “Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and our schools reflect that richness,” said Dr. Felicia Adams, superintendent of Southwest Public Schools. “We see it as our responsibility and privilege to meet students where they are academically and linguistically, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
How does Southwest Public Schools contribute to Houston’s economic landscape?
Southwest Public Schools plays a vital role in Houston’s economic vitality by serving a uniquely diverse student population. With more than 23 languages spoken across our campuses, we provide tailored instruction that meets the academic needs of every student. Houston is a global city, and we embrace that by equipping all learners, regardless of background, with the skills needed to thrive. Our commitment to personalized education not only prepares students for success but also contributes directly to the city’s future workforce.
What are the biggest achievements or highlights for Southwest Public Schools over the last year?
This past year has been transformative for Southwest Public Schools. We made a remarkable leap from an F rating to a B rating, signaling our transition from a struggling district to one of high performance. Community engagement has surged! We’ve expanded our reach from 60% to over 200% of our target population and grown our community partnerships by 400%. These connections have allowed us to serve nearly 2,100 families, compared to just 200 the year before.
We’ve also made significant progress in student outcomes. Our support for students’ social and emotional needs has deepened, and participation in college-level coursework has soared from 3 students to nearly 125, earning college credits. By offering associate degrees alongside high school diplomas, we’re graduating students who are academically prepared and career-ready.
What initiatives have helped create success over the past year?
Several key initiatives have driven our growth. Our dual language program is a cornerstone, helping students graduate with biliteracy skills that make them more competitive and community-minded. We also prioritize ensuring that every student earns a certification or endorsement aligned to a career pathway. Whether students are pursuing college or entering the workforce, our goal is that 100% graduate with a defined path forward.
What is the role of public education in attracting businesses and investments to the Greater Houston region?
Public education is a cornerstone of regional economic development. We regularly assess industry needs to align our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with Houston’s evolving job market. By preparing students for in-demand careers and equipping them with both academic and technical skills, we create a future-ready workforce that attracts and retains business investment. Our strong partnerships with industry leaders also provide students with hands-on experiences and internship opportunities that further connect education with economic growth.
Can you give some examples of the partnerships that are key to your mission?
Our partnerships are essential to delivering real-world learning experiences. High school seniors split their day between classroom instruction and participating in internships or workforce programs with our partners. For example, WorkSource Solutions connects students with career-aligned opportunities, while our collaboration with Houston Community College enables students to gain college credit and firsthand training, especially in high-demand fields like healthcare. These partnerships ensure our students graduate with both knowledge and practical experience.
How is Southwest Public Schools preparing students for the new advances in technology and innovation?
We are fully embracing the future by integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) into our classrooms. Every high school student engages with technology daily, from assessments to collaborative learning tools. Our educators are trained in AI integration, ensuring students understand not only how to use emerging tools but how to use them wisely and effectively. Teaching students to leverage technology is essential—those who are equipped with these skills will lead in tomorrow’s innovation-driven economy.
What is your outlook for the district?
The future of Southwest Public Schools is one of rapid growth and expanded impact. As one of the Top 10 charter districts receiving students from surrounding independent school districts, we anticipate continued enrollment increases. To meet this demand, we are exploring expansion into new areas such as Aldine, Humble, and Pasadena. Our goal is to bring high-quality, culturally responsive education to more communities across Houston, ensuring we continue to meet the diverse needs of the city’s families.
