Defending the honor of Texas students and educators since 2004.
5th
in the nation for high school graduation rates
1,500,000+
students represented in member districts across Texas
8,700+
Texas campuses we reach and champion
50K+
newsletter subscribers hearing the good news
To facilitate respectful conversations about Texas public schools through honest communication, productive dialogue, and relentless encouragement.
HOW FRIENDS WORKS
Everything we do — and everything our members and partners fund — flows through four connected functions.
We bring superintendents, campus leaders, and education-friendly partners into the same rooms — through the Summit, the Friend of the Year Dinner, and our Leadership Advisory Council.
We turn policy and research into language families and communities can use — through the Friends Trust Framework and the forthcoming Texas Benefits List.
We back the educators doing the work — teacher recognition, classroom wishlist fulfillment, scholarships, and direct support delivered to member districts.
We elevate the stories of Texas educators and students across a network of 8,700+ campuses, 50K+ subscribers, and 31K+ social followers.
Upcoming Events
Graduating seniors from Friends Network districts share their public school story on video for a $2,500 award.
Now in Austin, TX! The annual dinner honoring the Friend of the Year and the champions of Texas public schools.
Etter-Harbin Alumni Center · Austin, TX
The Friends Leadership Summit: a working session built around moving policymakers. Tickets are on sale now.
KMFA · Austin, TX
GET INVOLVED
Whether you lead a district, teach in a classroom, or simply believe in public education, there's a place for you here.
Recognize an exceptional educator with the 2026 Teacher of the Year honor — including a $1,000 classroom grant and a celebration at our annual Dinner.
NOMINATE A TEACHERMobilize your staff to take control of the conversation. Our sessions equip educators to restore public faith and trust in their schools.
BRING IT TO YOUR DISTRICTBrag on a coworker. Share how a teacher changed your life. Celebrate the great things happening in your school — that's what Friends do.
TELL YOUR STORYStraight From Our Schools
Friends of Texas Public Schools will celebrate the people strengthening trust in Texas public education at its annual Friend of the Year Dinner, held…
Little Elm ISD students from across the district are getting to explore outside the classroom during a field trip to the St. Arbor Community…
Little Elm ISD students from across the district are getting to explore outside the classroom during a field trip to the St. Arbor Community…
Lake Travis ISD celebrated the national “Music in Our Schools Month” with a lively Spring Concert! Led by Lake Pointe Elementary 1st graders, the…
Lake Travis ISD brought the community together for an unforgettable night of school spirit at its annual Homecoming Parade & Extravaganza. Families, students, and…
Read the May e-newsletter HERE! Texas public schools just delivered something worth celebrating. Of the 405,019 students who made up the class of 2024,…
Wichita Falls ISD celebrates literacy and community partnership! Two brand-new book vending machines were unveiled at two different schools within the district — one…
The widespread “failure” of public education is a myth. Texas schools are achieving more today than ever before — and we’re on a mission to make sure every Texan knows it.
become a friend
Making sure the real story of public education gets told. When your district joins Friends, you're part of all of it — the room, the tools, and the celebration.
Become a Member
we’d love to hear from youSend us your questions or express interest in supporting Friends of Texas Public Schools.
welcome aboardSchool District Network Membership for the 2026-2027 school year.
let's build somethingWe'll review your submission and follow up to explore fit and next steps.
pull up a chairNominate a principal, assistant principal, or other campus or district leader — or put your own name forward.
the story is better with you in itThree ways in — pick the one that fits you.
