JEFF SMITH
CLEVELAND, Texas - What began three years ago in portable classrooms has grown into something much bigger.
International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) officially celebrated the opening of Liberty High School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming students, families, educators, community leaders and elected officials to a campus built to serve the growing Colony Ridge community.
The new campus represents far more than a new building. It marks a permanent home for students, expanded opportunities for families and a continued investment in developing the next generation of leaders.
For Principal Griselle Diaz, the moment was especially meaningful.
"For the past three years, our students have learned in portable classrooms," Díaz said. "Today marks a new beginning as we open a permanent home for our school."
Liberty High School gives families in the Colony Ridge community access to ILTexas' nationally recognized trilingual education, leadership curriculum and college readiness programs close to home.
Those opportunities are already making an impact.
This summer, Liberty High School students participated in prestigious academic programs at the University of Chicago, Princeton University and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), gaining firsthand exposure to college life while exploring future academic pathways.
One of those students was Estefania Rodriguez, who participated in the Best of UChicago summer program.
"Being part of the program really clarified what I want for my future," Rodriguez said. "Talking with professors, current students and alumni confirmed that the University of Chicago is one of the schools I hope to attend."
Rodriguez credits ILTexas' Academic Success Program with helping make opportunities like this possible through personalized college advising, SAT preparation and guidance throughout the college admissions process.
"Our college advisors work one-on-one with us," Rodriguez said. "They help us prepare for opportunities that truly change our lives."
When asked why another student should consider attending ILTexas, her answer came without hesitation.
"I want you to come to ILTexas because it brings out the best version of you. You grow as a leader, learn multiple languages, join clubs, meet incredible people and become part of a community that feels like family."
Superintendent Eddie Conger said the new campus reflects ILTexas' unwavering commitment to investing in students and preparing them for success beyond graduation.
"Parents and students are here celebrating the opening of the building," Conger said. "But more importantly, we're celebrating our students."
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Laura Carrasco said the new facility builds on a culture of excellence that has existed since the campus first opened.
"Our students were excelling in portable classrooms," Carrasco said. "This beautiful new campus simply enhances an experience that was already exceptional."
Carrasco said Liberty High School's impact extends far beyond the classroom.
"We're developing students through trilingual education, leadership, fine arts, career and technical education, and JROTC," she said. "We're already seeing students from this community pursue opportunities across the country, and we know even greater opportunities lie ahead."
The celebration brought together hundreds of students, families, educators, community leaders and elected officials to tour the new campus and celebrate a milestone years in the making.
As Liberty High School prepares to welcome its first senior class, the campus stands as a symbol of ILTexas' commitment to developing future leaders through academic excellence, language acquisition and character education.
From a vision that began in portable classrooms to a permanent campus filled with opportunity, Liberty High School is opening doors not only for today's students, but for generations of Colony Ridge families to come.
Ready to Join the ILTexas Family?
Enrollment is now open for ILTexas Liberty High School and campuses across the district. Families interested in learning more about ILTexas' tuition-free, trilingual public charter schools are encouraged to visit www.iltexas.org to explore programs, find a campus and begin the enrollment process.