Current 8th Graders Transitioning to High School

2026-2027 9th Graders - Class of 2030

Last updated 02/25/2026

Approved Transfers

• School Choice Transfers: Students who were approved for their school choice transfer must let their Counselor know if they are going to accept their spot.  If so, the approval letter that was emailed to you needs to be shown to your Counselor.  Once verified, your Counselor will call you in to update all your courses for the new high school.  Remember - your parents are responsible for transportation - the district will not provide bus service for you.

• Program Transfers: Students who were approved for their program transfer must let their Counselor know if they are going to accept their spot.  If so, the approval letter that was emailed to you needs to be shown to your Counselor.  Once verified, your Counselor will call you in to update all your courses for the new high school.  Remember - your courses must reflect electives in the new program.  If you choose to leave that program in the following four years, you will be transferred back to your home campus.

Magnet Schools & Transfers 

• Acceptance: If you received and acceptance letter, it is essential that you notify that magnet school as soon as possible.  Be on the lookout for an email inviting you to an orientation.  At this orientation, you will choose new courses that meet the requirements for each respective magnet school.

• Decline:  If you decide not to attend the magnet where you were accepted, you must notify that magnet school as soon as possible so they can offer your spot to a student on their waiting list.  Please note that declining your acceptance is final; once the spot is offered to another candidate, it cannot be reclaimed.

It is possible for students to be approved for transfers and accepted to magnet schools that they applied to through August of 2026.

Questions?  

If you have any questions, please reach out to your designated counselor via the contact list below.

Students with last names (A-L) - veronica.chavez@nisd.net

Students with last names (M-Z) - claudia.james@nisd.net 

Course Selections for High School

All 8th grade students have officially completed their initial course selections for the 2026-2027 school year based on their zoned high school.  This assignment is made directly from the home address we have on file for your student.

Magnet Schools & Transfers 

We recognize that many students are currently applying for magnet programs or transfers. Please note that all students must remain registered with their home comprehensive high school until a magnet acceptance or transfer request is officially approved.

Reviewing & Changing Courses

• Planning Guides: Students will bring home a copy of their planning guide to review with parents/guardians.

• Deadline for Changes: If you would like to request a change, please contact the Connally Counselors by January 30, 2026.

• After January 30: Any further changes must be requested directly through the student's assigned high school counselor.

Questions?  

If you have any questions, please reach out to your designated counselor via the contact list below.

Students with last names (A-L) - veronica.chavez@nisd.net

Students with last names (M-Z) - claudia.james@nisd.net 

It's never too early to start thinking about what comes after high school. Your time in high school is a critical period for preparing for your next steps, and having a plan will help you make the most of it.

The 3 Post-High School Paths (The Three E's of Education)

• Enrollment: This path means planning to attend a college or university after graduation. This requires focusing on academic success, relevant standardized tests (if needed), and exploring potential majors.

• Employment: This path involves entering the workforce immediately after high school, often with a specific skill or trade learned through vocational courses, apprenticeships, or specialized training. A plan here focuses on certifications and job-ready skills.

• Enlistment: This path means joining the military. This requires preparing for the physical and mental demands of service, understanding the various branches, and learning about the benefits and career opportunities available through service.

No matter which of the Three E's you choose, success starts with a plan. Use your time in high school wisely to explore your options, develop necessary skills, and set yourself up for a fulfilling future! 

Northside ISD's Early College High School (ECHS) is expanding!  

Now entering its second year in partnership with Alamo College District and Northwest Vista College - the program is now 

open to 8th graders from Brennan, Jay, Holmes, Marshall, Stevens, Taft, and Warren attendance areas.

ECHS students can: 

• Earn a high school diploma and an associate's degree at no cost

• Take college-level courses starting in 9th grade

• Participate in athletics, fine arts, and student activities on the John Jay campus

• Save thousands in college tuition while gaining a head start on their future

Northside's ECHS combines academic rigor, wraparound support, and a full high school experience, empowering students to turn dreams into degrees.  Attend any of the Parent Information meetings below to get more information about this exciting opportunity!

🚨Connally MS school feeds into three comprehensive high schools based on attendance zones and the student's current address. This means that the address we have in our system for you, will determine what high school you will be registering with.🚨

This does not matter if you plan on applying to a magnet school or requesting some type of special transfer. All students will register with their comprehensive high school regardless of alternate high school plans.  *Please check with the Counseling Office.

In order to prepare student records for high school, please be aware that the registrar will be contacting parents for missing documents and updated information.  Please ensure that all information is current and up to date with our office.