The Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies is an innovative, University-level academy on the Texas A&M International campus for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors. A high school experience like no other. A fusion of high school with the benefits of a college environment. Staggs Academy will change your life.
Earn College Credit While at Staggs Academy!
- Get a head start on your University education.
- Obtain college credit while in high school.
- Defray costs of tuition and fees by being a Staggs Scholar.
- Experience college and learn from world-class professors!
Information Sessions
- Saturday, September 20, 2025- Academic Innovation Center, Room 125
- Saturday, December 6, 2025 - Academic Innovation Center, Room 125
- Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Western Hemispheric Trade Center,Room 111
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Room 111
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Room 111
Eligibility
- Be a Texas Resident.
- Attempt TSIA in Reading/Writing and Math by April 10th.
- 10th grade high school student with at least 13 credits towards Texas high school graduation plan.
- Minimum high school GPA of 85 or 3.0
- Student Interview
Automatic Admissions
- Meet Eligibility.
- Complete Staggs Application.
- PSAT 10 Benchmark Met: 430 Reading/Writing and 480 Math.
- Passed TSIA- Reading/Writing and Math
- Submit Teacher Checklist (two teachers must complete the form provided)
- Academic Reference
- Counselor Information
* Limited spaces available, automatic admissions is based on first come first serve with complete admissions application. Subject to waitlist if capacity is reached.
Holistic Review
Students who do not meet PSAT 10 benchmark or did not test for PSAT 10 will be reviewed holistically.
Staggs Scholar Guarantee
- Full cost of attendance is covered including tuition, fees, and books.
- Each Scholar saves approximately $20,000.
- Earn 30 semester credit hours per year/ 60 semester credit hours by high school graduation.
Student Program Fee consist of $750.00 per semester.
*Fee waiver available - subject to eligibility.
TEA
Accredited Public School Offers an Advanced High School Diploma
Save $20,000+
on College Tuition and Fees
Average Student Graduates with 63 SCH of College Coursework
Advanced and Engaging University Courses Taught by World-Class Professors
Dr. Mayra L. Peña
Director/Superintendent of TAMIU I.S.D.
956.326.2861
Anna Castillo
Student Services Coordinator
956.326.2864
Erika Valadez
Student Services Coordinator
956.326.2860
Alumni
Staggs Academy Class of 2016
Texas A&M International University Graduate (2018)
Louisiana State University(2024)
"Staggs Academy instilled in me the importance of discipline and perseverance. It taught me that true success comes from continually challenging yourself, even when doubt creeps in. My journey began here, and the lessons I learned have carried me through the difficult moments of my career as a veterinarian."
— Dr. Haydee Barajas, DVM
