The Houston Independent School District Travels with ACIS

In May 2025, ACIS brought hundreds of students to Costa Rica from amongst 13 middle schools in Houston ISD, through the district’s New Education System. Highlighted in The Houston Chronicle, this travel partnership is an excellent example of how our mission is expanding beyond individual schools to larger districts, all while still keeping up our premier quality of service.

How It Started

Launched in 2023 by Superintendent Mike Miles, Houston Independent School District’s DYAD program, a component of the New Education System, is dedicated to providing free travel opportunities for all of its participating middle schools. Seventh grade students travel overnight domestically, while eighth grade students have the chance to travel internationally on a five-day program.

After a rigorous review process evaluating educational travel providers, Houston ISD chose to partner with ACIS to organize the 2025 eighth grade trip to Costa Rica.

ACIS Director of Partnerships Tricia Holda describes the partnership as one that is “deeply meaningful.”

“With DYAD’s core goals at heart of making sure students are exposed to as many experiences as possible while in the program, we were thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of this noble initiative that is fully supported by the district,” she added. “We have a shared focus of increasing the curiosity, knowledge and global perspectives gained through travel and the in-person learning opportunities that DYAD provides students create the confidence, courage and tools to succeed as they continue their academic careers.”

ACIS also served as a key resource for pre-trip preparation. Grant funding ensured that costs for the trip such as securing a passport were included, and our ACIS team was there on the ground in Houston to support district staff in ensuring all of the right forms were completed throughout promotion and at student/parent pre-departure meetings.

As an additional layer of training and support to the program, in March 2025 ACIS brought a group of educators who would serve as the Costa Rica leaders and chaperones on a Training Weekend in Ecuador. Teachers got to see firsthand how ACIS trips are conducted and better understand their roles as group leaders for the trip alongside students.  These trainings are a key component of the reciprocal trust between ACIS and our leaders.

“The training experience here was transformative, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated.”

– Amanda W., ACIS Group Leader

“Standing on the equator and hiking through the Amazon wasn’t just a trip—it was a powerful reminder of how travel can expand minds and ignite a love for learning beyond the classroom.”

– Sandra B., ACIS Group Leader

How It’s Going

Houston ISD students traveled to Costa Rica with ACIS during the last week of May 2025. Over the course of five days, over 200 students experienced highlights from ziplining through the rain forest, boating down the Rio Frio, crafting chocolate from cacao beans and more. It was an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and open the door to future personal growth and global connections.

“I found it very exciting because we got to see the full biodiversity inside the rainforest. We grew up just watching National Geographic on TV and now you can actually see it up close and personal in the natural habitat”

– ACIS Student Traveler with HISD

“I’ve loved the experience I’ve had on this trip. I’m opened to a new world, new adventures.”

– ACIS Student Traveler with HISD

“I’m here to give my students the experience of a lifetime, seeing their expressions when they’re meeting other people, tasting new foods, realizing that we’re not in this world by ourselves, that we’re actually here evolving in complex cultural situations that cause us to be part of the human species.”

– ACIS Group Leader with HISD

We are honored to partner with Houston ISD and look forward to building on the relationship so that more students in Houston can experience the magic of travel.

Interested in learning how ACIS can partner with your school district? Connect with our Director of Partnerships Tricia Holda at tholda@acis.com or schedule a call.