For Immediate Release
Houston, TX – October 11, 2025
Southwest Public Schools Named Finalist for 2025 Summies Charter of the Year Award
Recognized for Excellence in Supporting Emergent Bilingual Students Across Texas
Southwest Public Schools has been named a finalist for the 2025 Summies Charter of the Year Award, recognizing the district’s exceptional commitment to advancing academic achievement and language development for Emergent Bilingual students. Among more than 700 districts statewide using the Summit K12 platform, Southwest Public Schools stood out for its innovative implementation, exceptional TELPAS growth, and transformative instructional practices that have led to measurable student success.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our teachers and leaders who work tirelessly to empower Emergent Bilingual students,” said Dr. Felicia Adams, Superintendent of Schools. “At Southwest Public Schools, we believe every child has the potential to achieve excellence, and this honor reflects the collective effort of our entire school community.”
The Summies Awards, hosted annually by Summit K12, celebrate outstanding districts and campuses demonstrating exemplary growth, innovation, and leadership in language development and academic excellence. Southwest Public Schools continues to be a trailblazer in leveraging data-driven instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and personalized learning supports to ensure that every student, regardless of background or language proficiency, has access to a world-class education. Earlier this month, Dr. Uyen Nguyen, Chief of Academics & Accountability, and Ms. Maria Romero Urias, Manager, Multilingual Compliance, participated in the rigorous interview process which was part of the selection criteria for the finalists. The winner will be announced later this fall in Dallas, TX.
About Southwest Public Schools
Southwest Public Schools, headquartered in Houston, Texas, serves a diverse student population across multiple campuses. The district is dedicated to preparing every student for success in college, career, and life by fostering academic readiness, innovative opportunities, and inclusive excellence.
Media Contact
Dr. Keri Fovargue
Chief of Staff, Southwest Public Schools
Phone: 713-784-6345
Email: kfovargue@swschools.org