Welcome to Robbins Academy

Robbins Academy was founded in 1999 as the Alamo Heights non-traditional high school of choice. Dr. Jerry Christian, the present AHISD Superintendent, and the late Diane Tilley, former English teacher at AHHS and the first lead teacher of Robbins, led the effort targeting those students who were motivated to gain credits towards graduation but had unique needs prohibiting academic success on a traditional high school campus.

Robbins Academy is an extension of AHHS with the operation, structure, and curriculum of the school under the supervision of the AHISD central office and the AHHS administrative team. Dr. Linda Foster, AHHS principal, has final approval for placement at Robbins. Academic reporting (progress reports and report cards) is handled by the main campus and students may enroll in courses at AHHS with permission of the counseling staff and principal. Students receive an Alamo Heights High School diploma.

Who is the "typical" Robbins student? Although each student has unique needs and circumstances, the successful Robbins student will be one who is committed to the goals and ideas of a non-traditional high school and capable of earning a high school diploma. The student should be between the ages of 16 and 21 with 10 or more credits. Many times the student will have credit deficiencies that intervention at the high school (Academic Support or Credit Recovery) has not solved. There may be a work situation that requires school day flexibility or the student may have personal issues that interfere with the demands of a traditional high school environment.

A referral to Robbins Academy can take place in a number of ways. A teacher may identify a student in his/her classroom that could benefit from a more non-traditional curriculum. A counselor may know of a student in a difficult family or socioeconomic situation that requires the flexibility of the Robbins school day. The administrative team at the high school may see a student who struggles with the stress of a large campus resulting in minor discipline problems that would be solved with a smaller environment. Finally, a parent or a student many initiate the process if extenuating circumstances are preventing the student from academically succeeding in a traditional setting.

Students complete an application that includes a written statement detailing why he/she should be given consideration for placement at Robbins. A screening committee composed of those professionals involved in the placement reviews the application and a recommendation is then submitted to the high school principal for final approval.

Robbins may accommodate up to 40 students. Academic goals, progress, and expectations are reviewed weekly and if these are not being met, the student is subject to dismissal. In addition, students must apply for re-admission annually.

Students must provide their own transportation and attend school for a minimum of 4 hours per day/20 hours per week. The curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the four exit level TAKS tests must be passed. Graduation is based on the state required 22 minimum or 24 regular credits and the new 26 credit requirement for the 2007-2008 freshman class.