Tomball ISD set to launch Tomball Academy of Future Educators within Tomball West High School

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Tomball ISD is proud to announce the launch of its newest P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Tomball Academy of Future Educators (TAFE) at Tomball West High School, uniquely focused on preparing Tomball ISD students for careers in education and teaching.

Set to begin in August 2026 when Tomball West High School officially opens, TAFE will become the second of its kind in Tomball ISD as the District opened its first P-TECH, now rebranded as the Tomball Academy of Healthcare, in 2023-2024 at Tomball Star Academy.

TAFE will offer Tomball ISD students a seamless pathway from high school to college and into the educational workforce.

Through an innovative partnership between Tomball ISD and Lone Star College-Tomball, current Tomball ISD eighth graders (Class of 2030), free of charge, will have the opportunity to pursue a pathway in education through a rigorous and supportive learning environment that blends high school and the first two years of college.

Students enrolled in this P-TECH program work toward an associate degree while gaining hands-on work experience inside classrooms in Tomball ISD. Tomball ISD will provide mentoring opportunities, site visits, internships, and priority job interviews for graduates.

Benefits for students interested in TAFE will earn:

• Earn High School diploma
• Earn an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree tuition-free
• Texas Education Agency Education Aide I Certification
• Extensive work-based learning opportunities

Logistics for students enrolled in TAFE at Tomball West HS:

• Main Campus: Tomball West High School
• Some Courses: Lone Star College - Tomball
• Students enrolled in TAFE do not have to be zoned to Tomball West High School
• Transportation is provided
• Students will be able to participate in UIL activities and teams as students of TWHS
• Coaching and Directing are valued positions in the education profession. TAFE will allow students to explore coaching and directing as future career goals if interested

Students who are motivated by in-depth coursework and internships and are open to accepting career-focused academic guidance from dedicated collegiate teachers and professors in both academic and workplace settings but need a no-cost solution to attend college, then P-TECH might be the place for you.

“We are proud to introduce the Tomball Academy of Future Educators, a new P-TECH program designed to inspire and equip the next generation of teachers and educational leaders. In partnership with Lone Star College-Tomball, this innovative academy within Tomball West High School, reflects our District's commitment to growing our own talent and expanding the education landscape to meet the evolving needs of our schools and community. As the demand for dedicated and well-prepared educators continues to rise, we believe it is our responsibility to invest in our students who are called to serve and lead in education,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Schools, Tomball ISD

“Partnering with Tomball ISD to create meaningful opportunities for students is a cornerstone of our mission at LSC-Tomball. The Tomball Academy of Future Educators represents our shared commitment to strengthening education in our community. This partnership creates a ripple effect—TAFE participants gain valuable experience and preparation for their teaching careers, while the students they'll one day teach will benefit from their enhanced training and dedication to educational excellence,” said Dr. Lee Ann Nutt, President, Lone Star College-Tomball

All current Tomball ISD eighth-grade students (Class of 2030) are encouraged and eligible to apply. Applications will become available in Fall 2025. Parent Information Nights will also be held. Lottery for TAFE will occur in December 2025. For more information, visit Tomball West High School’s website or tomballisd.net/tafe.