New IDEA Henry campus to open in Midland TX in 2026

IDEA Henry Academy and IDEA Henry College Preparatory will open with a focus on college preparation and a 'culture of excellence'

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:04pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a stack of textbooks in bright, neon colors repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing IDEA Henry's college-preparatory curriculum.IDEA Henry's focus on college readiness from an early age is reflected in its vibrant, pop art-inspired visual identity.Midland Today

IDEA Henry Academy and IDEA Henry College Preparatory will open in Midland, Texas in August 2026, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The schools will focus on preparing students for college success through a 'culture of excellence' that includes high expectations, data-driven instruction, and personalized support. The campuses will feature college-themed homerooms, college field trips, and a college signing day celebration for graduating seniors.

Why it matters

The opening of IDEA Henry marks IDEA Public Schools' first expansion into the Permian Basin region, bringing its college-preparatory model to Midland. The schools aim to instill a college-going mindset in students from a young age and provide the academic rigor and support systems to help them succeed in higher education.

The details

IDEA Henry Academy will open in August 2026, serving students in kindergarten through 2nd grade in its first year. IDEA Henry College Preparatory will open concurrently, serving 6th grade and 9th-12th grades. The schools will continue adding grade levels each year until reaching a full K-12 curriculum. Founding principal Amaris Sanchez says the schools will have a 'culture of excellence' focused on high expectations, data-driven instruction, and personalized support to ensure all students are prepared for college. This will include college-themed homerooms, college field trips starting in kindergarten, and quarterly 'College Cup' pep rallies to celebrate student growth.

  • IDEA Henry Academy and IDEA Henry College Preparatory will open in August 2026.
  • The schools will continue adding grade levels each year until reaching a full K-12 curriculum.

The players

Amaris Sanchez

The founding principal of IDEA Henry Academy, Sanchez is an IDEA Edinburg alumna who went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees and is pursuing a doctorate. She is dedicated to instilling a 'culture of excellence' focused on high expectations and college preparation.

IDEA Public Schools

A charter school network with the mission of preparing students to succeed in college and in life. IDEA Henry will be the network's first schools in the Permian Basin region.

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What they’re saying

“At IDEA Henry, we are a school and community where every student is prepared to succeed in college and beyond. We have high expectations and give personalized help to make it possible for all students to get to and through college.”

— Amaris Sanchez, Founding Principal, IDEA Henry Academy

“From day one, we are going to have instilled the culture of excellence that is grounded from our high expectations, data driven instruction and a belief that students can achieve at high levels.”

— Amaris Sanchez, Founding Principal, IDEA Henry Academy

What’s next

IDEA Henry is currently in rolling enrollment, with a target of 1,300 students. Families interested in securing a spot can reach out to Enrollment Coordinator Lisa Saucedo at 432-248-1123.

The takeaway

The opening of IDEA Henry in Midland represents IDEA Public Schools' first expansion into the Permian Basin region, bringing its proven college-preparatory model to the area and aiming to instill a college-going mindset in students from a young age through a 'culture of excellence' focused on high expectations, personalized support, and preparing every student for success in higher education.