HISD to Launch AI-Focused K-8 "Future 2 Schools" at Gregg and C. Martinez
Houston ISD will convert Gregg Elementary and Clemente Martinez Elementary into K-8 "Future 2 Schools" in 2026-27, with programs centered on skills tied to the rise of artificial intelligence. The announcement came alongside a separate plan to close or consolidate 12 schools due to declining enrollment, aging facilities, and budget pressure.
Gregg (southeast Houston) and C. Martinez (Northside) enroll 251 and 244 students, respectively. It's unclear whether there will be community meetings, a board vote on these conversions, or if families were notified in advance.
What the "Future 2" Model Includes
- K-8 expansion at both campuses starting in 2026-27.
- Accelerated online coursework for students who are proficient in core subjects.
- Semester courses for grades 5-6 over two years: AI tools, design thinking, study of cultures, and how things work.
- Instrument proficiency required to advance from sixth grade.
- After-school options: music, team sports, community service projects, and swimming.
- Hands-on "experiences" focused on skills viewed as valuable as AI becomes more common.
A referenced "Future 2 Schools" concept paper was provided to the appointed board in January, but it has not been released publicly.
Districtwide Math Acceleration and a New Virtual School
All middle schoolers will be placed in accelerated math next year, with the goal of enrolling students in Algebra I by eighth grade. The district notes students who complete Algebra I in eighth grade are 14 percentage points more likely to earn a college degree and 25 percentage points more likely to earn a living wage six years after high school.
HISD is also launching a districtwide virtual school for ninth- and tenth-graders who are on grade level. Instruction will be live, students will remain enrolled at their home campuses, and the program will expand to additional grades after 2026-27. Applications open in March.
What Educators Should Plan For
- Curriculum: Map AI literacy across K-8. Develop the four 5th-6th grade courses with clear outcomes, projects, and rubrics. Align accelerated online coursework with TEKS and campus pacing.
- Staffing and PD: Build staff capacity in AI literacy, design thinking, inquiry-based science, and culturally responsive instruction. Prepare math teams for universal acceleration and Algebra I readiness. Provide training for live online teaching and monitoring.
- Scheduling and Operations: Plan for instrument instruction and assessment in grades 5-6. Coordinate after-school programs, transportation, and facility access (including swimming). Ensure device access, bandwidth, tech support, and platform oversight.
- Student Support and Equity: Create on-ramps for students who are not yet proficient in math. Address needs for multilingual learners and students receiving special education services. Establish clear family communication and consent for digital tools. Set expectations for attendance, engagement, and academic integrity in virtual settings.
- Data and Safety: Vet AI and online platforms for student data privacy, safety features, accessibility, and content filters. Define usage policies, teacher dashboards, and incident response.
- Governance and Transitions: Clarify if board approval is required for conversions. Coordinate with schools affected by closures to support smooth transitions, records, and placements.
Open Questions to Address
- Will there be community meetings and formal board action on the conversions?
- How will admissions, attendance zones, and transportation work for the new K-8 model?
- What are the staffing plans for music, design thinking, and AI-related coursework?
- How will success be measured for accelerated math, AI coursework, and the virtual school?
- What supports are in place for students who are not yet proficient but are placed in accelerated pathways?
- How will student data and safety be protected across AI tools and online platforms?
Timeline and Next Steps
The board is set to vote on the 12 school closures in 14 days at a meeting typically focused on employee hearings. Details on family notification for Gregg and C. Martinez have not been clarified.
In the short term, campus leaders can draft a communication plan, identify staff leads for math acceleration and AI integration, and begin an inventory of devices, connectivity, and after-school partnerships. District teams can outline PD sequences, vet platforms, and publish clear guidance on enrollment, placement, and metrics.
Helpful Resources
- Research overview on Algebra in eighth grade
- AI course options by education role (Complete AI Training)
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