Chapel Hill High School earned two academic distinctions from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in both Social Studies and Science for the 2025-2026 school year, recognizing standout student performance happening in the classroom every day.
“Our students are such hard workers, and these distinctions show how highly they perform on a state level,” shared Kevin Austin, a U.S. History teacher at the high school.
Earning a distinction means more than simply receiving a high test score. TEA assigns each campus in Texas to a comparison group of 40 schools that are similar in size, population and demographics. In order for a school to receive a distinction, schools must perform in the top 25% of the schools in the comparison group.
According to TEA’s accountability date, 37% of CHHS students achieved “Masters Grade Level” on the U.S. History EOC and reached the top quartile for Advanced and Dual-Credit completion for social studies as well.
Ben Mosier, History department chair for CHHS, shared that the 37% mastery result was a big win. “That’s the highest masters percentage we’ve gotten in 10 years of tracked data,” said Mosier. “We couldn’t be more proud of the students.”
While TEA’s distinctions provide an official measure of success, the recognition confirms something CHHS teachers already see in their classrooms.
“It is just so cool to see how we compare to others in the state,” Austin shared. “And to have it officially stated what we already know: our students and staff are the best!”
Social Studies wasn’t the only stand-out area for CHHS, 28% of students reached the “Masters Grade Level” on the Biology EOC. Our campus also reached the top quartile for Advanced and Dual-Credit Science completion.
“Our students deserve a tremendous amount of credit,” shared science department lead, Kenna Budd. “They put in the effort, challenged themselves, and demonstrated that they were willing to learn and grow.”
The numbers show that the distinctions represent more than performance on a single state test. By combining strong EOC performance and completing advanced coursework, students were able to demonstrate achievement across multiple levels of their social studies and science education.
“Our focus was much more on building a strong understanding of science rather than simply preparing students for a test,” continued Budd. “When students truly understand the concepts, they are better prepared to apply that knowledge to STAAR questions and real-life.”
With distinctions in both Social Studies and Science, Chapel Hill High School’s achievements reflect more than percentages on a state report. Behind the numbers, there are students putting in the work each day, teachers building strong relationships and classrooms that foster real learning.
“This distinction is a meaningful recognition of the hard work that happens in our classrooms every day and it is exciting to see that work reflected in our students' achievement,” said Budd.
Chapel Hill High School’s sustained commitment “to educate ALL students so they can successfully compete in an ever changing world” extends far beyond scores and distinctions. For the Bulldogs, the true accomplishment lies not simply in the recognition, but in the success and growth of every student.