New Heights Charter School Expands to Fort Worth ISD Campus
URGENT UPDATE: New Heights High School, Texas’ pioneering adult charter school, is set to expand into a former Fort Worth ISD campus, the Rosemont Sixth Grade Academy, with plans to officially open on October 20, 2025. This expansion aims to double the school’s capacity from 700 to 1,500 students, providing crucial educational opportunities for adult learners in Fort Worth.
The announcement comes as many local adults seek pathways to complete their high school education. Among them is Kendra Howard-Horn, a 42-year-old Fort Worth resident who dropped out in the late 1990s but is now pursuing her diploma through New Heights. She emphasizes the need for accountability and structure, highlighting the program’s role in transforming lives.
Traci Berry, CEO and superintendent of New Heights, stated that the partnership with Fort Worth ISD serves as a model for how schools slated for closure can still contribute positively to their communities. “They’re not abandoning that community,” Berry said, underscoring the potential for repurposed campuses to support neighborhood needs.
The expansion responds to a growing demand for adult education, particularly as Fort Worth ISD plans to close 14 schools over the next four years. Many adult learners, such as Judy Rivas, a 34-year-old mother of three, are returning to school to set an example for their children, emphasizing the value of a high school diploma. Rivas stated, “I want my kids to know a diploma is worth more than a GED.”
Statistics from the U.S. Census reveal that adults with a high school diploma in Tarrant County earn an average of $30,000 annually, compared to $22,000 for those without. This potential for increased earnings is a significant motivating factor for many students, including those enrolled at New Heights.
The current campus, located within the TCC Opportunity Campus, serves as a vital resource for adult learners, many of whom juggle work and family responsibilities. The program is designed to accommodate these realities, offering flexible schedules, childcare, and access to community resources.
Berry noted that many students arrive with anxiety stemming from previous negative educational experiences. “It needs to be different for them to be successful,” she said, emphasizing that New Heights is committed to creating a supportive and validating environment for all learners.
The McCart Avenue location is undergoing renovations to cater specifically to adult students, with plans to include community services like food pantries and financial literacy programs. The charter school has signed a 10-year lease with Fort Worth ISD, which aims to utilize closed campuses effectively rather than leaving them vacant.
As New Heights prepares for its expansion, Berry reiterated the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. “At the end of the day, education is the only differentiator between poverty and stability,” she declared.
Students like Howard-Horn, Rivas, and others are motivated and determined to finish their education, with many exploring various career paths. Howard-Horn is planning her future career with the guidance of an adviser, while Rivas is considering nursing.
The expansion of New Heights High School not only represents new opportunities for adult learners but also sets a precedent for how educational institutions can adapt to serve their communities better. As the charter school gears up for its opening, the impact on Fort Worth’s adult education landscape is poised to be profound.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as New Heights prepares to transform lives in Fort Worth.
