Boerne ISD Students Earn Nearly $3 Million in College Savings
Boerne Independent School District students earned 18,029 college credit hours during the 2025–2026 school year, generating an estimated $2.9 million in college cost savings for families through dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities.
The results, presented to the Board of Trustees on October 20, highlight Boerne ISD’s commitment to providing rigorous academic opportunities that prepare students for success in college, career and beyond.
The district has seen significant growth in college credit earned through dual credit and AP coursework over the past three years. In 2023–2024, students earned 5,249 college credit hours, representing approximately $323,000 in college cost savings. In 2024–2025, students earned 13,596 hours, valued at an estimated $1.7 million. In 2025–2026, that total increased to 18,029 hours, representing $2.9 million in savings.
Overall, college credit hours earned through these opportunities increased by 243.5% in three years, expanding access to college-level learning while helping families manage the cost of higher education.
“$2.9 million in savings for our parents, Wow! That’s a tremendous impact on our families,” said Boerne ISD Board Trustee Rich Sena. “These opportunities help students get a head start on their futures while making higher education more affordable.”
Boerne ISD’s Advanced Placement program continues to grow, with 1,783 students participating in 2026, an 11% increase from the previous year. Students took 3,778 AP exams, a 14% increase, and earned scores of 3 or higher on 2,823 exams, a 15% increase from 2025.
Through partnerships with Alamo Colleges, Angelo State University, UT OnRamps, Tarleton State University and other institutions, students can earn college credit before graduating from high school. These opportunities include Boerne ISD’s two Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Academies, which connect high school coursework with college credit and career-focused learning. The Health Science P-TECH Academy and Cybersecurity P-TECH Academy provide students with opportunities to explore high-demand career fields while preparing for future college and career success.
These pathways allow students to challenge themselves academically, make progress toward future degrees and reduce the cost of higher education for their families.
The district’s success also extends beyond earning college credit. Seventy percent of the Boerne ISD Class of 2025 enrolled in college the fall after graduation, exceeding the national average of 63%. Among the Class of 2024, 92% of students continued in college from their first to second year, compared with the national average of 77%.
Christine Poulis, Boerne ISD Director of Advanced Academics, emphasized the importance of helping students envision and prepare for their futures early.
“We will continue sharing our students’ stories and building pathways to their goals, starting in elementary school. By helping students explore their interests and understand where they want to go, we can connect their learning today to the college and career opportunities they envision for tomorrow,” Poulis said.
As part of its strategic plan, Boerne ISD aims to double the number of Core Complete graduates, students who earn 42 college credit hours from a baseline of eight to at least 16 by 2027. The district will pursue this goal through intentional academic advising, expanded access to qualifying coursework and ongoing progress monitoring.
Through advanced coursework, college partnerships and a commitment to student success, Boerne ISD continues to create opportunities that help students pursue their ambitions while delivering meaningful value for families. By investing in rigorous academics and accessible pathways, the district is helping students take important steps toward their futures while making higher education more attainable.