Overview
Blanco River Academy Hybrid High School is a full-time, college-preparatory program designed to blend the flexibility of online learning with the structure and community of in-person instruction.
Students complete most of their coursework online while also participating in in-person classes, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities.
Hybrid Learning Model
Online Coursework
Primarily through Acellus Academy, with additional options via Austin Community College (including dual credit).*
In-Person Classes
English, College Readiness, and Environmental Research courses taught by in-person faculty.
Rigor
Acellus Academy offers 17 AP level courses (12 of them core curriculum) and additional classes at the Honors level. Dual credit courses may be taken through Austin Community College.
“Start-Up” Environment
Student course progress is represented by a SCRUM board to visually track progress; students begin the day with daily “stand-up” meeting during which students reflect on prior work, set
daily goals, and address challenges; students end the week with “retrospective” meetings, reflecting on the overall classroom experience and create action items for needed changes.
Executive Functioning
Students collaborate with the high school coordinator to set their own academic and personal goals for the semester. Taking ownership of their own goals allows students to learn how to best manage their own time and workflow.
Academic Enrichment
Weekly Presentations
Students present their learning to peers, building deeper content knowledge, public speaking, and presentation skills.
​
Collaborative Learning
Students enrolled in the same courses have opportunities to support each other through discussion and shared problem-solving.
​
College (Future) Readiness Support
In addition to college readiness class, a professional college readiness
counselor meets with students at least once per semester to provide guidance on postsecondary planning.• College-bound students are encouraged to begin taking PSAT in sophomore year; Students are encouraged to begin taking SAT late in junior year; Students are encouraged to sit for AP exams at nearby testing sites
where applicable.
​
Environmental Research
Involves student learning centered around watersheds, waterway journeys to the sea, healthy/unhealthy riparian zones. Students receive training regarding Watershed Stewardship, Riparian Zone Evaluation, and Water Quality Monitoring, among others, with local organizations such as TexasAgricultural Extension Agency, Texas Stream Team, and San Marcos River Foundation.
Experiential & Wraparound Learning
Environmental Studies Project
Students engage in multi-year field research, including kayak trips to collect water and soil samples, monitoring and video documenting the health of the local Cypress Creek Watershed
on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico, connecting classroom learning with hands-on science.
Internship Opportunities
For 11th and 12th graders, small practicums are arranged to provide career exploration/professional exposure, real-world experience, and skill development.
​
College Readiness
Students visit college campus(es) to see campus life firsthand, gain inspiration and insight, and begin to get a sense of what they will look for in a college.
​
Other
Multiple off-campus field trips to places like the Canyon River Gorge, Texas Parks and Wildlife Fish Hatchery, San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center, Meadows Center for the Environment and Water, and NASA Johnson Space Center. Annual class trip usually centered around marine science.
Graduation Pathway
Students select courses in alignment with Texas state graduation requirements (TEA requires 24-26 credits to
graduate)*, guided by faculty and counselors. The program emphasizes academic mastery, critical thinking,
collaboration, and real-world application to prepare students for both college and life beyond the classroom.
*BRAc students complete a 26 credit graduation plan: Math (4), English (4), Science (4), Social Studies (4), Language Other than English credits (2), Fine Arts (1), PE/Health (2), Electives (5) - Communication Applications (Speech) req'd. College-bound students are urged to take AP/Honors courses where applicable.
Contact
High School Coordinator: Josh Narvaez
Academic Advisor: Kristie Kimbell
512-842-9222
kkimbell@blancoriveracademy.org
512-217-7451