Navasota Independent School District

Building Big-School Opportunity in a Small Hometown

Putting Quality Curriculum and Safety First for a Top Quality Educational Experience

Rooted in small-town pride, Navasota Independent School District offers students a world of possibilities close to home. Its compass never wavers, guided by clear priorities. As Superintendent Dr. Stu Musick explains, “We always say we have two priorities at Navasota ISD. Priority number one is the safety and well-being of every student and staff member, every day and all day. Priority number two is the quality education we provide so students become lifelong learners and feel prepared for whatever comes next.”

That next step might be a four-year university, a two-year college, a skilled trade, the military, or the workforce. “We teach many important things,” Dr. Musick adds. “The most important is how to be the best parent, spouse, employee, and community member they can be. We help young people become productive citizens who contribute and thrive.”

Support for educators is equally intentional. The district partners with Region 6 Education Service Center for professional development in counseling and academics, while students benefit from layered support. “Next Step provides social-emotional and counseling services, and T-CHAT from Texas A&M University gives our junior high and high school students access to online counseling,” Dr. Musick says. “We encourage everyone to use these supports so teaching and learning can flourish.”

Career Exploration With Local Industry

Career exploration starts before high school and leads into four-year pathways aligned with local industries. Kristi Ramsey, Principal of Navasota High School, explains, “We offer multiple CTE programs of study and fine arts pathways, many beginning at the junior high. We frame some courses as ‘jumpstarts’ so students can try things, get experience, and discover what interests them before they commit.”

Eighth graders move from curiosity to choice through an intentional process. “Each spring, our counselors visit the junior high, and in January, we host a program of study fair,” Ramsey says. “Student ambassadors from every pathway set up tables, and families can tour facilities and meet teachers at a CTE open house. The goal is informed decisions about a four-year pathway that fits.”

Local relevance drives program design. “We’ve looked closely at the job market in and around Navasota,” Ramsey says. “Healthcare is strong, so our health science program is robust. Manufacturing is a significant aspect, so our Applied Agricultural Engineering program, specifically our welding program, is one of our largest. We are preparing students for real jobs in these industries.”

Engineering Pathways Take Flight

Engineering in Navasota is hands-on and mentor-driven. “Freshmen and sophomores take entry-level courses,” Ramsey explains. “As juniors and seniors, they choose between engineering design and a program called Tango Flight, where students build an airplane with guidance from aviation professionals.”

The mentorship brings career possibilities to life. “Being around professionals can spark interest in high-demand aviation fields,” Ramsey says. “Students might not train as air traffic controllers in our labs, but the exposure opens doors. It’s powerful to learn in a lab that mirrors the real world.”

Dual Credit Partnerships

College-level work in high school builds confidence and momentum. “We partner primarily with Blinn College for dual credit and with the University of Texas through OnRamps for dual enrollment,” Ramsey says. “We also partner with McMurry University and recently aligned our cosmetology program’s technical dual credit with Lamar State College.”

The district removes the most significant barrier: cost. “About eighty percent of our students are economically disadvantaged,” Dr. Musick says. “Several years ago, our board committed to paying dual credit tuition and, when applicable, books and supplies. Even reduced costs can be barriers. We remove them so opportunity is equal.”

The impact is clear. “We have students graduate with 24, 36, even 40 or more college hours,” Dr. Musick says. “Some approach an associate degree by the time they finish high school. Those students are more likely to persist in college, and we see their confidence grow.”

Expanding CTE Through Vision and Community

Navasota’s CTE facilities rival those of larger districts. Dr. Ronnie Gonzalez, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Technology, credits planning and community trust. “What makes our program stand out is the combination of community partnerships and long-term planning,” Gonzalez says. “In 2017, our community supported a $55 million bond that expanded our CTE opportunities. We created labs and shops that mirror real workplaces.”

The investment shows. “We added an auto technology shop, veterinary technology lab, engineering and medical science labs, cosmetology studios, and a culinary arts kitchen,” Dr. Gonzalez says. “We toured schools in Dallas and Houston and asked why our students couldn’t have the same. With the bond, we brought those opportunities to Navasota.”

Technology upgrades complement facility expansion. “We implemented interactive televisions in all classrooms, enterprise wi-fi, and one-to-one Chromebooks,” Dr. Gonzalez says. “In 2024, our community approved another bond adding classrooms at the high school to support growing CTE programs. The message is consistent: our community invests in student opportunity.”

Showcasing Excellence in Welding

The welding program showcases skill, creativity, and career readiness. “A few years ago, four students competed in a statewide welding event in Galveston that included an underwater welding contest,” Dr. Musick recalls. “They performed well and earned scholarship offers. Our instructors have grown participation and success. Students build Ag-Mech projects and compete at county, regional, and statewide shows in Fort Worth and Houston—and they do really well.”

Fostering Creativity Through the Arts

Whole-child development shines in the arts, where participation and recognition continue to grow. “We offer band, choir, theater arts, and dance, with visual art at every level,” Dr. Musick says. “Numbers are up because our directors are phenomenal. Our dance team, the Diamondettes, performs at regional and state competitions, bringing home numerous trophies. For a medium-sized district competing with larger ones, they’re impressive.”

The fine arts model mirrors CTE, featuring expert coaching and collegiate exposure. “I encourage my teachers to build connections across the community and state,” Ramsey adds. “Programs bring in clinicians from universities, and students work with collegiate directors. The dance team visits Stephen F. Austin University; the choir collaborates with Blinn College. Those experiences help students picture life in the arts beyond high school.”

Working Together to Build Tomorrow

For families, the mix of closeness and opportunity defines Navasota. “Navasota ISD has big-school opportunities in a small hometown atmosphere,” Dr. Musick explains. “We’re a one-high-school district, which matters to families, but our programs compete and prepare at high levels.”

The district spans 364 square miles across Brazos and Grimes Counties, with the City of Navasota as its hub. “People here love their town and their schools,” Dr. Musick reflects. “They’ve shown it by supporting bonds and showing up in growing numbers for campus events. Families want their children to have more opportunities than they had. We work to offer something for everyone—athletics, fine arts, academics, or the trades.”

Monthly collaboration keeps programs aligned with workforce needs. “We meet with the city, county, and chamber each month,” Dr. Musick notes. “The county judge, commissioners, hospital district, and regional economic development board all share updates and employer feedback. If we hear the region needs more welders or electricians, we look at how we can expand programs to meet that need.”

Equity by Design

Equity is a guiding principle that shapes budgets and daily practice. “When our board voted to cover dual credit costs, it sent a clear message that a family’s finances will not limit access,” Dr. Musick says. “That investment changes the confidence students carry when they graduate.”

Technology access follows the same ethic. “We want every student to experience the same high-quality tools and opportunities,” Dr. Gonzalez adds. “That’s how we keep the playing field level while raising expectations.”

Why This Work Matters

For Dr. Musick, the mission is personal. “When we came to Navasota eight and a half years ago, our two daughters were in elementary school,” he says. “We wanted a home where they could pursue what they love—academics, athletics, or the arts. We found that here. Our staff and leaders work diligently to offer programs that consistently excel and prepare students to a high standard. That’s the heart of a community school.”

Ready for What Comes Next

The district continues improving what works while preparing for future growth. “Our immediate priority is to keep doing the things we already do well, then move from good to great,” Dr. Musick explains. “We have areas academically and in technical programs where we can improve, and we’re asking why and how.”

Growth is coming fast. “We’ve had steady growth, and we see larger growth on the horizon,” Dr. Musick notes. “We’re also looking five, ten, even twenty years out. We maintain close contact with the city, county, and chamber to stay informed about new developments. If a developer is considering thousands of new rooftops, the timeline matters. Our job is to be ready.”

The Navasota Promise

The promise is simple: safety and belonging for every student, challenging academics and hands-on pathways for every future, and equal access regardless of income. It’s also a commitment to keep learning relevant through partnerships, facilities, and technology that mirror the modern world.

Most of all, it’s a promise to meet each student’s potential with preparation and possibility. “We want something for everyone,” Dr. Musick concludes. “A place to plug in, a place to grow, and a place to succeed—now and in the future.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Navasota Independent School District

What: A community-centered, one-high-school Texas district offering students big-school opportunities

Where: Navasota, Texas

Website: www.navasotaisd.org