(TEXAS) – Six of seven Harmony Public School district across Texas received a perfect 100 on the Texas Educational Agency’s 2017-18 FIRST financial accountability ratings, the TEA announced Friday. All Harmony districts received a “Superior” rating.
Created by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001, the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) is designed to encourage public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.
The FIRST ratings are calculated using 15 financial indicators, such as administrative cost expenditures; the accuracy of a district or charter’s financial information submitted to TEA; and any financial vulnerabilities or material weaknesses in internal controls as determined by an external auditor.
“We’re proud of our districts for continuing to strive for both academic and financial excellence for our students and communities,” Harmony Finance Manager Ebru Akyildiz said. “Ratings like these are important because they demonstrate that Harmony schools continue to be good stewards of the funding they receive.”
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide charter public school system offering a free, nationally-recognized, STEM-focused education to PreK-Grade 12 students in schools across Texas. In August, the TEA also awarded the Harmony Public School system six “A” ratings in its annual Accountability Ratings. Then in October, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement honored Harmony with an $8 million Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Grant for its pioneering “LEAF to STEM” program, which is focused at innovative teaching methods for science, technology, engineering and math students at the elementary level.
Harmony Public Schools is now accepting applications for free enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year for all of its 56 schools statewide at https://www.apply.harmonytx.org.
| Final 2017-18 FIRST Ratings Based on 2017 Data | ||
| District | Score | Rating |
| Harmony Science Academy – San Antonio (015-828) | 100 | Superior |
| Harmony Science Academy – El Paso (071-806) | 100 | Superior |
| Harmony Science Academy – Houston (101-846) | 94 | Superior |
| Harmony School of Excellence – Houston (101-858) | 100 | Superior |
| Harmony School of Science- Houston (101-862) | 100 | Superior |
| Harmony Science Academy – Waco (161-807) | 100 | Superior |
| Harmony Science Academy – Austin (227-816) | 100 | Superior |
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 56 high performing K-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 56 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.