Victoria ISD is celebrating a major milestone for its youngest high school students as nearly all freshmen at Victoria East and Victoria West High School have completed ApplyTexas applications.
As part of a districtwide effort to introduce post-secondary planning early, approximately 92% of the Class of 2029 had completed their ApplyTexas applications before Spring Break. This milestone marks an important first step in preparing students for life after high school. The initiative helps ensure students begin their high school journey with a clear understanding of college pathways, expectations, and opportunities ahead.
“This is about building confidence and expanding possibilities early,” said Superintendent Sheila Collazo. “When students see themselves accepted to college as freshmen, it changes how they view their future and what they believe is possible.”
By completing the ApplyTexas application as freshmen, students gain early exposure to the college application process, remove uncertainty about post-secondary options, and begin developing a college-going mindset. This early acceptance also positions students to begin enrolling in dual credit courses as early as the fall of their sophomore year.
Early indicators show students are already taking advantage of these opportunities. From Spring 2025 to Spring 2026, dual credit enrollment across Victoria East and Victoria West High Schools increased from 585 to 634 seats (8.4% increase), while the number of participating students grew from 333 to 362 (8.7% increase). The number of dual credit courses also expanded during this time.
District leaders say the milestone is a foundational step that supports long-term college, career, and military readiness. Introducing post-secondary planning in the freshman year allows students and families to make more informed decisions about coursework, endorsements, certifications, and future goals throughout high school.
Victoria ISD plans to continue expanding early post-secondary readiness efforts to ensure students graduate prepared with options and a clear path forward.
For more information about college and career readiness initiatives in Victoria ISD, visit www.visd.net/dualcredit.