Zapata High School

I would love to point out that the school has a magnificent Cross Country program that is skillfully led by Boys and Girls head coahces M. Villarreal and L. Escamilla. Both teams have been seen at the State level these past few years and keep going back for more. The students that take part in this event are some of the most dedicated and focused athletes I've ever met and are wonderful teammates that cheer eachother on like family. Under their coaches' direction, Im certain that I'll keep reading about them every Sunday during their season for many years to come.

For the past two years, this school has seen dramatic and wonderful changes. State test scores have improved drastically and the school staff is too be admired. The staff is to be complimented for their intense and commited involvement in promoting quality education for all children. They equally advocate college readiness and insipre their students to continue their eduaction at the college level. We are blessed to have such a wonderful team be part of our school and community. Their efforts have paid off and can be seen in both the academic and extracurricular activities. All of my children have commented on how their English teachers have helped them a lot. I have often waited passed 5:00 for my children to come out of Science and Math tutorials. Not to mention, all my children have gotten commended in the Social Studies tests. Thank you ZHS teachers and staff!
--Submitted by a parent

I just gio back fron seeing this school's theatre dept put on their Macbeth show (which they took took state uil contest), and I am in awe with the director of the program (Cuellar-Garcia). She is an inspired teacher. They are so lucky to have her, and her kids are amazing! They have a close symbiotic relationship with the acting craft- a direct reflection to their director. ZHS should be open a magnate school for the arts. It is obvious they have extremely talented theatre directors and students. This is the school you want your child at if they are into the arts. I understand this group has been to state at least three times- always under constant worries about funding. The parents involved in the program are extremely loyal to the director, the program, and the kids. It's wonderful to watch.
--Submitted by a parent

The only thing that shines at this school are the top kids. With a fantastic coordinator for the best and brightest in this HS, they've developed a top tier UIL and Theater program. As of late, top graduates from the school have attended Northwestern, Duke and for the first time in a while, there is an Ivy leaguer amongst the bunch. State champions in social studies and speech are becoming common here. The rest of the school is just pathetic. The disparity is shocking. Still, if you've got a top kid, this is an excellent school for that. Top of the line AP program, great resources and a good recent alumni base.
--Submitted by a parent

I can honestly tell you that the best thing about Zapata High is the woman who has been at the epicenter of the UIL Academic and theatre program at ZHS. Ms. Nelly Garcia is a rare jewel in the worl do education. Because of her, many of our brightest have been able to move on and be successful at universities and beyond. Her constant dedication and support of these students have enabled them to develop into confident young adults. Under her gudance the teams have won over ten district tiles in academics, made history in 2004 when they competed in UIL state contest in drama, won over fifteen district tiles in theatre. Their debate team even went back to state this year! It is a shame when a veteran such as this classy lady is constantly worried about funding for her programs. The rest of the school is just apathetic.
--Submitted by a parent

Zapata High has one of the best uil coordinator and drama director in the state. This hidden jewel has in the last twenty odd years developed a first rate academic and theatre competition team. To date, I believe that these teams have won more championships and taken more students to state than any other team on that campus- all this with little acknowledgement from the big bosses. The only thing that sets this high school apart from others is the staff that works with our brightest. They instill a love of learning into these students. Luckily, these programs keep getting better and better. As for the quality of education, if you have a child on the fast track to college, make sure they take an AP class in English with Ms. G- she's fantastic! Not only will your child learn at the college level, they'll evolve into extremely confident individuals.
--Submitted by a parent

Academics: I consider this a smalltown school with a bigtown academic program. The tools are in place for success. Impromvements have been made in standardized testing and the facilities have seen constant upgrades/implementations to accomodate technology. ZHS is moving up not down. This school, like others, could use some improvement but i feel it all begins with PARENTS getting involved. This school opens its doors to its community but the community is behind the curve with its support. God has placed well minded, concerned adults at this facility who work against many statistical factors to achieve the goals set by the state and federal government. The staff is experienced...above the state average in this regard. Funding: Above average (blessed actualy) Availability to specialized courses: Above average. INTEREST in specialized courses: Below Average. ART/MUSIC/SPORTS/EXTRACURRICULAR: Above Average (access/availability) Below average student participation. PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Well below national average but not shocking.
--Submitted by a parent

Not the best, but not the worst. The after school activites are plenty football, drama,band, etc. Most classes are small. A few teachers aren't all that good and the principle is too lenient sometimes. Nobody minds the in school suspension (ISS), its like having a vacation while still going to school. Other then that the school is kept clean, and the food is like... well every other school food. There is also plenty of security and you will almost always find a local deputy on campus.
--Submitted by a former student

The school stands as a free babysitting service, and it fails to establish itself as a serious base of intellectualism. It lacks support for the Gifted and Talanted and many are forced to find other forms of enrichment. ZHS's extra-curricular programs are one of the best, in an irony. It's sports, music and academic competetion teams are among the best in the region and they frequently advance to state competetions.
--Submitted by a student