Department of Education

The Harris County Department of Education provides educational programs, student services, professional support, and operational assistance across Harris County. This article explains the department’s role, identifies its major divisions, outlines how families and educators can locate the correct program, and describes the information users should prepare before contacting an office or using an official system.

Role of the Department

The Harris County Department of Education, commonly abbreviated as HCDE, is a public entity that supports students, families, educators, school districts, governmental agencies, and community organizations. It is not the same as an independent school district, and it does not replace the local district responsible for a student’s neighborhood school, enrollment records, attendance boundaries, or routine campus administration.

HCDE operates as a countywide educational service provider. Its work includes early childhood education, adult education, special schools, school-based therapy, after-school programming, educator development, school safety training, records management, and cooperative purchasing. According to the department, it directly serves approximately 30,000 students through alternative campuses, therapy services, Head Start centers, after-school programs, and adult learning programs.

The official Harris County Department of Education website is the main starting point for division information, program announcements, calendars, employment information, and department updates. Because several HCDE divisions maintain their own program websites, users should identify the service they need before submitting an application or contacting an office.

HCDE and local school districts

Parents sometimes contact HCDE when the issue is controlled by their child’s independent school district. Local districts generally remain responsible for matters involving ordinary campus enrollment, student schedules, district transportation, attendance, report cards, district calendars, and neighborhood school assignments.

HCDE becomes the appropriate contact when the question concerns one of its own programs or services. Examples include Head Start applications, adult GED or English classes, HCDE special schools, CASE for Kids programming, school-based therapy services, educator certification support, records management, or HCDE administrative matters.

For special school placement, the distinction is especially important. HCDE states that students attending its special schools are referred by their home school districts. A parent interested in one of these schools should begin with the student’s district rather than attempting to enroll directly with an HCDE campus.

Programs for Students and Families

HCDE’s instructional divisions serve learners from early childhood through adulthood. The department’s instructional programs overview groups together Adult Education, CASE for Kids, Head Start, Special Schools, and School-Based Therapy Services.

Each division has a different purpose and application process. Families should avoid submitting a general inquiry when a program-specific website or office is available. Contacting the correct division helps prevent delays and reduces the chance that personal or educational information will be sent to an office that does not manage the requested service.

Head Start and Early Head Start

HCDE Head Start provides educational support and preschool services for qualifying children from birth through age four. The program operates Head Start and Early Head Start services, with applications handled through the program’s official enrollment resources.

Families seeking early childhood services should review the HCDE Head Start website for current application notices and separate options for Head Start and Early Head Start. The official site may display enrollment information for more than one school year, so applicants should select the correct program and year before providing household or child information.

Information to prepare

The supplied program information does not provide a complete document checklist. Families should follow the current application instructions shown by Head Start rather than relying on requirements from another preschool program or a prior enrollment year. Before beginning, applicants should be prepared to identify the child, choose the appropriate age-based program, and provide accurate contact information requested by the application.

Applicants should also distinguish between Head Start and Early Head Start. The Head Start website describes Early Head Start as serving children from newborn through 35 months. Selecting the wrong application can lead to avoidable follow-up or redirection.

Afterschool programs

CASE for Kids, the Center for Afterschool Enrichment, supports out-of-school-time programming for students in prekindergarten through grade 12. Its work includes resources, training, funding opportunities, social-emotional learning programs, and partnerships involving schools, child care facilities, and community centers.

The department reports that CASE for Kids works through partnerships with the City of Houston and Harris County to provide free or low-cost out-of-school programs to more than 8,000 students. Families, schools, and program providers can review the CASE for Kids program website for current opportunities, funding announcements, training, and event information.

CASE for Kids is not a general student enrollment office for Harris County. A parent looking for a regular public school, a school transfer, or district transportation should contact the appropriate independent school district. CASE for Kids is the relevant division when the inquiry concerns after-school enrichment, out-of-school-time opportunities, related training, or program funding administered through the division.

Adult Learning and Workforce Training

HCDE Adult Education provides classes and training for adults seeking high school equivalency preparation, English-language instruction, career development, and workforce certifications. The program describes its GED, ESL, and workforce certification classes as free.

Users can review available programs and registration schedules through the HCDE Adult Education website. The site separates GED preparation, certification programs, ESL classes, and Spanish-language ESL information. This separation matters because class schedules, program contacts, and registration steps may differ.

GED and high school equivalency

Adult Education offers preparation for the high school equivalency diploma, formerly commonly identified as the GED. Prospective students should use the registration schedule provided by the division and confirm whether a listed class is virtual or in person. The calendar may show multiple sessions on the same date, including morning and evening options.

Students should not assume that a calendar entry alone completes registration. A class listing identifies a scheduled session, while the registration process determines whether the student is enrolled or eligible to attend. Users should follow the division’s registration instructions and use the Adult Education contact designated for ESL and GED questions when assistance is needed.

English-language classes

ESL classes are offered for adults who want to improve their English. The program publishes English and Spanish information and may list both virtual and scheduled class sessions. Before registering, students should verify the class format, date, and time so they do not arrive at the learning center for a virtual class or attempt to join an in-person session online.

Career certification programs

The Adult Education division also promotes hands-on training in fields such as Certified Nursing Assistant, phlebotomy, and medical billing and coding. Workforce certification questions use a separate program contact from general ESL and GED inquiries. Keeping these contacts separate helps the division route questions to staff responsible for the relevant training track.

Adult education and literacy services are supported by the Texas Workforce Commission to help individuals find, retain, or improve employment. The program also states that auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be made at least two business days in advance.

Special Schools and Placement

HCDE operates four special schools: Academic and Behavior Schools East, Academic and Behavior Schools West, Fortis Academy, and Highpoint School East. These campuses serve students with different educational, behavioral, physical, emotional, or recovery-related needs.

The HCDE Special Schools information page explains the populations served, placement structure, academic calendars, parent and student handbook requirements, and school-specific forms.

District referral requirements

Students attending HCDE special schools are referred by their home districts. Parents should therefore contact the student’s school district when asking whether an HCDE placement is appropriate. Calling a special school directly does not replace the district referral process.

This requirement helps distinguish HCDE special schools from open-enrollment campuses. The home district works with HCDE to arrange individualized services in small-group, structured settings. The stated goal is generally to prepare students to return to their home schools and graduate.

Academic and Behavior Schools

Academic and Behavior Schools East and West serve students with multiple disabilities, including autism and profound emotional, behavioral, or intellectual needs. Their classes use structured instruction and data-driven behavior management with an emphasis on positive reinforcement.

Parents and district personnel should use the correct East or West campus when communicating about an assigned student. Sending records, forms, or attendance questions to the wrong campus can delay a response because each location has its own administration and contact information.

Fortis Academy

Fortis Academy is a public recovery high school serving students recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. The program combines academics with accredited rehabilitation treatment, counseling, and individualized support. It also includes specialized programming such as culinary arts.

Because Fortis Academy is part of the HCDE special school structure, placement questions should begin with the student’s home school district. Families should not treat the academy as a general treatment provider or assume that contacting the campus creates an enrollment record.

Highpoint School East

Highpoint School East serves expelled or adjudicated youth through individualized or small-group instruction in a structured setting. Its educational purpose is to help students prepare for a return to their home schools and work toward graduation.

School forms and calendars

The Special Schools page publishes academic calendars, a Parent/Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, a bullying complaint form, placement and enrollment materials, pre-enrollment data requirements, and certain special education video forms.

Parents and students must review the handbook and code of conduct identified for the applicable school year. Users should verify the year printed in the document title before completing or signing a form. An older handbook, calendar, or surveillance request may not apply to the current school year.

Requests involving video surveillance in qualifying special education settings are governed by the procedures described by HCDE and applicable Texas requirements. An approved request is valid only for the current school year. A person seeking continued surveillance for the next school year must submit a new request as provided by the department’s procedures.

Therapy Services in Local Schools

School-Based Therapy Services supports children with disabilities through occupational therapy, physical therapy, and music therapy. Services can include assessment, intervention, consultation, training, and direct classroom support in a student’s neighborhood school and district.

The division reports serving more than 7,000 students each year, including students with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and other educational challenges. Program information is available through the School-Based Therapy Services website.

Families should distinguish school-based educational therapy from independently arranged medical treatment. The HCDE description focuses on support provided through schools and districts to help students address educational challenges. Questions about a student’s eligibility, evaluation, or assigned services should be directed through the appropriate school or program contacts involved in the student’s educational plan.

The division also provides training and leadership on school-based occupational and physical therapy practices. Educators and district personnel should review the program calendar and division information rather than using the general HCDE event calendar for therapy-specific meetings.

Support for Educators and Agencies

HCDE’s support services are intended for educators, school staff, school districts, governmental entities, and public agencies. The support services overview covers educator development, purchasing, school safety, and records management.

Center for Educator Success

The Center for Educator Success partners with school districts on educator recruitment, certification, professional development, coaching, and leadership programs. It offers teacher and principal certification programs, support for new educators, instructional coaching, and principal coaching.

The Center for Educator Success overview explains its district partnerships and educator preparation services. Teacher candidates should read the applicable program information before applying because the center’s work includes district partnerships, coursework, classroom observation, pre-service preparation, and paid internship components.

School safety services

The Center for Safe and Secure Schools provides discussions and training related to school safety, security, school climate, threat assessment, and emergency preparedness. School employees looking for a training event should confirm whether the listing is hosted by the safety center and review the date, location, and registration details attached to that event.

Choice Partners purchasing

Choice Partners National Purchasing Cooperative gives governmental entities, school districts, and nonprofit organizations access to contracts designed to comply with governmental procurement requirements. It is an organizational purchasing service, not a consumer shopping or individual discount program.

Records management

HCDE Records Management provides physical and digital records management for public entities, including governmental agencies. A person seeking a personal school transcript, student file, or district record should first identify which organization created and maintains the record. HCDE Records Management services for public entities do not mean that every school or county record is automatically held by HCDE.

School Calendars and District Contacts

HCDE publishes its own event calendar and also compiles calendar information for Harris County school districts. These are separate resources. The HCDE calendar covers department programs, meetings, staff development, conferences, and division events. A local district calendar controls dates for that district’s students.

The department’s school district contacts and calendars directory provides official district websites, phone numbers, addresses, and calendar access for 25 area school districts.

Confirming school dates

HCDE also compiles an annual countywide comparison of school start dates, holidays, breaks, and final instructional days. The department warns that it is not responsible for calendar changes made by individual districts. Parents and employees should confirm dates with the local district before making transportation, child care, travel, or work arrangements.

This is particularly relevant for professional development days, elementary-only holidays, weather changes, and district-specific schedule adjustments. A countywide calendar is a useful comparison tool, but the local district remains the controlling source for its own schedule.

Taxes and Administrative Questions

HCDE receives support from a small property tax as well as grants and fees for services. The department explains that it leverages property tax revenue to provide services and cost savings to school districts and other public entities.

Property owners do not remit HCDE taxes directly to the Department of Education. Taxpayers pay HCDE taxes through the Harris County Tax Office. Questions about bills, payments, branch locations, or tax account processing should therefore be directed to the Tax Office rather than an instructional HCDE division.

Questions about HCDE’s programs, administrative operations, website, or general department matters may be submitted through the official HCDE contact directory. The directory separates general administration, employment, taxes, media, instructional divisions, support services, and individual schools.

Choosing the Correct Office

Before contacting HCDE, identify the type of service and the office that controls it. The following distinctions can prevent unnecessary transfers:

Head Start and Early Head Start questions belong with the Head Start division.

GED, ESL, and adult workforce training questions belong with Adult Education.

Special school placement begins with the student’s home school district.

Questions about an enrolled HCDE special school student should go to the assigned campus.

After-school programs, grants, and out-of-school-time training belong with CASE for Kids.

Occupational, physical, and music therapy program questions belong with School-Based Therapy Services.

Teacher certification, educator coaching, and leadership programs belong with the Center for Educator Success.

School safety training belongs with the Center for Safe and Secure Schools.

Government purchasing questions belong with Choice Partners.

HCDE property tax payment questions belong with the Harris County Tax Office.

Preparing Before Contacting HCDE

A clear inquiry gives staff enough information to identify the program and respond without requesting basic details again. The appropriate information depends on the service, but users should generally be ready to provide:

The name of the HCDE division, school, class, event, or program involved.
The student’s assigned school district when asking about student services or placement.
The applicable school year, registration period, or event date.
The name of the specific campus when the student already attends an HCDE school.
The class format, such as virtual or in person, for adult education questions.
A brief description of the requested action or problem.
A reliable telephone number or email address for the response.

Users should avoid sending unnecessary confidential student information in an initial general inquiry. Start with enough detail to identify the responsible office, then follow the secure document or records procedures provided by that division.

When a form is required, confirm that it belongs to the correct program and school year. HCDE publishes documents for special schools, adult education, Head Start, and other divisions. A form from one division should not be used for another merely because both are operated by HCDE.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing HCDE with a district

HCDE supports multiple districts and operates specialized programs, but it is not the general administration office for every public school in Harris County. Routine enrollment, attendance, transportation, and campus questions usually belong with the student’s independent school district.

Attempting direct special school enrollment

HCDE special school students are referred by their home districts. Parents should begin with the district when considering Academic and Behavior Schools, Fortis Academy, or Highpoint School East.

Using an outdated calendar

Academic calendars, handbooks, registration schedules, and student forms may be issued for a particular year. Confirm the year before relying on dates, deadlines, or instructions.

Contacting the wrong adult program

Adult Education separates GED and ESL contacts from workforce certification inquiries. Identify the program before calling or sending an email.

Treating a calendar entry as registration

An event or class displayed on a calendar does not necessarily confirm enrollment. Complete the registration process required by the division and verify the session format.

Sending tax payments to HCDE

HCDE property taxes are remitted through the Harris County Tax Office. The Department of Education should not be treated as the payment office for property tax bills.

Departments and Offices

Harris County Department of Education
6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022
713-694-6300

HCDE Adult Education
6515 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022
713-692-6216

CASE for Kids
6005 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055
713-694-6300

HCDE Head Start
6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022
713-672-9343

School-Based Therapy Services
6005 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055
713-696-8237

Center for Educator Success
6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022
713-696-8223

Center for Safe and Secure Schools
6005 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055
713-696-0771

Choice Partners National Purchasing Cooperative
6005 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055
877-696-2122 or 713-696-2122

Records Management
6005 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055
713-694-9022

HCDE Schools Division
6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022
713-696-8218

Academic and Behavior Schools East
7710 Office City Drive, Houston, Texas 77012
713-242-8036

Academic and Behavior Schools West
12772 Medfield Drive, Houston, Texas 77082
713-339-9411

Fortis Academy
11902 Spears-Gears Road, Houston, Texas 77067
713-696-2195

Highpoint School East
8003 East Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, Texas 77049
713-696-2160

HCDE Human Resources
6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022
713-696-1323

Harris County Tax Office
1001 Preston, Houston, Texas 77002
713-368-2000

Department of Education FAQs

How do I apply for a job with Harris County Department of Education?

Current openings are posted through the department’s official employment system rather than accepted through a general program inquiry. Applicants should review the position description carefully, confirm required credentials, and complete every section of the online application. Supporting documents may differ by role and can include transcripts, certifications, licenses, or employment history. Visit the official Harris County Department of Education website and select the employment or “Join Our Team” section. Former or current employees who need proof of employment should use the department’s employment verification process instead of applying through the job portal.

Can community groups reserve department meeting space?

Organizations may request space for meetings or events at certain department facilities, including the conference center at the administration building. Availability is not guaranteed, and a reservation request is separate from registration for a department-sponsored conference or training. Groups should be prepared to provide the event date, estimated attendance, room setup needs, event purpose, and requested hours. Reservation instructions are available through the department’s official contact and facility information page.

Where can I check current department events?

The official department calendar lists conferences, professional development sessions, school events, public meetings, and division activities. Users should open the individual event listing to confirm the time, location, registration requirement, and sponsoring division. An event appearing on the calendar does not automatically reserve a seat, and some sessions may require separate registration.

How can taxpayers read the department’s tax-rate notice?

The annual notice lists the no-new-revenue rate and voter-approval rate per $100 of taxable property value. For 2025, the published rates were $0.004725 per $100 and $0.005127 per $100, respectively. These figures are calculation benchmarks used during the tax-rate adoption process, not a statement of an individual owner’s final bill. Property owners should compare the notice with their taxable value and official tax statement before estimating the amount attributable to the department.