COLORADO RIVER COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

Colorado River Collegiate Academy (CRCA), located in Bastrop, Texas, is an innovative early college high school operated by the Bastrop Independent School District. Designed to bridge the gap between secondary and higher education, the academy offers students the unique opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate Degree simultaneously. By partnering with local higher education institutions, CRCA provides a rigorous academic environment that prioritizes college readiness, critical thinking, and career preparation, all at no cost to the students’ families.

The school is defined by its small, supportive learning community, which fosters close relationships between students and faculty. Beyond the standard curriculum, CRCA emphasizes a "college-going culture," equipping students with the organizational skills and academic discipline necessary to succeed in post-secondary environments. By allowing students to complete up to 60 hours of college credit before graduating high school, the academy serves as a significant economic and academic head start, preparing its graduates for a seamless transition into four-year universities or the workforce.