STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Beginning with the Class of 2025, seniors in the top 50% of their graduating class at Excel High School and Northgate Academy will earn automatic admission to Tarleton State University.
As part of its Distinguished High School Partners program, Tarleton State also will waive application fees for students who qualify.
Excel High School and Northgate Academy offer fully accredited online programs for both high school-age and adult learners as part of Excel Education Systems, Inc. Excel High School is recognized by the Texas Education Agency and holds national and regional accreditation through Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and the Middle States Association-Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. Northgate Academy is also fully accredited by Cognia.
Tarleton State and EES leaders formalized a partnership in March to expand educational access and create seamless pathways for student success.
“Partnering with Excel Education Systems, Inc. ensures that some of the brightest students in Texas have the opportunity for a high-quality university experience,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to be a first-choice institution for high school seniors in Texas.”
The President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program assures first-time-in-college students graduating in the top half of their high school class between $500 and $4,000 in scholarships. Students graduating from one of Tarleton State’s Distinguished High School Partners will receive an additional $500 or $1,000. Admitted freshmen must submit a general scholarship application to determine eligibility.
“This partnership between Tarleton State and Excel Education Systems and its affiliates, Excel High School and Northgate Academy, exemplifies the importance of collaborative efforts in expanding access to quality higher education for students,” said Dr. Heather Farmakis, Chief Strategy Officer for Excel Education Systems. “This collaboration creates a seamless pathway for our high-achieving graduates to pursue post-secondary opportunities at Tarleton State, ensuring that their hard work and academic success are further rewarded.
“We are thrilled to align with Tarleton State on this initiative and are committed to empowering our students with the resources, support and recognition needed to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.”
Founded in 2004, Excel Education Systems, Inc. provides accredited online education programs and digital learning solutions to students, schools and districts across all U.S. states and internationally. The organization encompasses several divisions, including Excel High School, Northgate Academy and Washington Technical Institute, offering comprehensive online education from middle school through post-secondary levels. To learn more, visit www.exceled.com/.
For more information about Distinguished High School Partners and the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program, visit www.tarleton.edu/admissions/dhsp and www.tarleton.edu/becomeatexan/guaranteedscholarship. To learn how to become a Tarleton Texan, visit www.tarleton.edu/becomeatexan/index.html.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.