TEMPLE, Texas — Temple Independent School District’s Fred Edwards Academy has been nationally recognized by Imagine Learning with one of that organization’s 2025-2026 Imagine Nation Awards. Edwards Academy was honored as an Imagine Edgenuity School of Excellence.
The Imagine Nation Awards are presented annually and recognize schools and districts across the country for their exceptional use of Imagine Learning programs and their commitment to supporting student growth. Edwards Academy was one of just 42 schools in the country to be named an Edgenuity School of Excellence. Edwards Academy serves as a non-traditional accredited high school and offers another route to graduation for students. Edwards students use online, computer-based curriculum – including Edgenuity – supplemented with offline projects and assignments to ensure that all Texas Performance Standards are met, and that the curriculum is rigorous, relevant, and real-world. Edwards Academy graduated 198 students during the 2025-2026 school year and is an A rated campus in the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) accountability ratings.
“Receiving the Edgenuity School of Excellence Award is a tremendous honor for our school,” said Tricia Mitchell, Principal of Edwards Academy. “This recognition is a reflection of a culture of hard work and commitment to excellence that defines our school community where teachers inspire students to reach their highest potential, and students are determined and eager to learn.”
“Mrs. Mitchell’s leadership has been second to none and her staff has fully committed to each student, and their success at Edwards Academy,” added Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Schools for TISD. “Whether it is instructional processes, campus culture, parent engagement, or postsecondary opportunities for students, Edwards Academy excels in every facet of school operations. This used to be the best kept secret in Temple ISD, but it is no longer a secret – it is a public point of pride.”
More than 42,000 schools and districts were eligible for this year’s Imagine Nation Awards. Of those, 293 schools and districts have been honored as Imagine Nation Schools of Excellence or Districts of Distinction. Imagine Learning is the nation’s leading provider of PreK-12 curriculum solutions.