ILTexas: Empowering tomorrow’s leaders in 3 languages
Across its 26 campuses in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, College Station and Liberty County, free public charter school International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) is redefining public education by preparing students to not just succeed — but to lead.
By International Leadership of Texas on June 13, 2025
With a unique blend of rigorous academics, character-driven leadership training and immersive trilingual instruction, ILTexas equips students to thrive in college, careers and community life — both locally and internationally.
"To see that young girl on TV saying, ‘I can change the world’ — that’s what ILTexas is about."
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Trilingual learning with real-world reach
ILTexas students don’t just study languages — they live them. Every student learns English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, with instruction tailored to each learner’s proficiency level.
In elementary school, many begin with a dual-language immersion program, alternating between English and Spanish for core instruction. Others follow an introductory track to build up their fluency.
By middle and high school, all students take daily Spanish and Chinese classes, and their learning extends far beyond the classroom with programs such as these:
Leadership that begins with service
The mission of ILTexas is to prepare students for exceptional leadership roles in the international community by emphasizing servant leadership, mastering the English, Spanish and Chinese languages, and strengthening the mind, body and character.
One way the concept of servant leadership is incorporated into the classroom is through “Others Before Self” service-learning projects, a yearly requirement for all students in grades K-12. Named after the ILTexas motto, the projects are planned and executed with minimal teacher intervention and challenge students to identify real needs, design practical solutions and take action. These aren’t just school assignments — they're hands-on lessons in teamwork, critical thinking and empathy.
One of the most memorable Others Before Self projects was in 2016, when an ILTexas Keller fourth grader embarked on a letter-writing campaign, asking Major League Baseball if it would join the national “Go Gold” movement to raise awareness about childhood cancers. Her determination paid off — as a result of her campaign, all MLB players wore gold ribbon decals on their uniforms during the month of September.
“To see that young girl on TV saying, ‘I can change the world’ — that’s what ILTexas is about,” says ILTexas Superintendent Eddie Conger, a retired U.S. Marine Corps major.
Students also study one of the 14 U.S. Marine Corps leadership traits each week — such as integrity, initiative and responsibility — building a consistent foundation of values across all grade levels.
sponsored by: International Leadership of Texas
Leadership that begins with service
The mission of ILTexas is to prepare students for exceptional leadership roles in the international community by emphasizing servant leadership, mastering the English, Spanish and Chinese languages, and strengthening the mind, body and character.
One way the concept of servant leadership is incorporated into the classroom is through “Others Before Self” service-learning projects, a yearly requirement for all students in grades K-12. Named after the ILTexas motto, the projects are planned and executed with minimal teacher intervention and challenge students to identify real needs, design practical solutions and take action. These aren’t just school assignments — they're hands-on lessons in teamwork, critical thinking and empathy.
One of the most memorable Others Before Self projects was in 2016, when an ILTexas Keller fourth grader embarked on a letter-writing campaign, asking Major League Baseball if it would join the national “Go Gold” movement to raise awareness about childhood cancers. Her determination paid off — as a result of her campaign, all MLB players wore gold ribbon decals on their uniforms during the month of September.
“To see that young girl on TV saying, ‘I can change the world’ — that’s what ILTexas is about,” says ILTexas Superintendent Eddie Conger, a retired U.S. Marine Corps major.
Students also study one of the 14 U.S. Marine Corps leadership traits each week — such as integrity, initiative and responsibility — building a consistent foundation of values across all grade levels.
Structure that builds confidence
ILTexas schools are structured, supportive environments where routines promote success and every student is known. Teachers help students discover their strengths, set ambitious goals and build the confidence to pursue them. And the outcomes are powerful:
Eddie Conger, ILTexas Superintendent
Rigorous academics, character-driven leadership training and immersive language instruction equip students to thrive in school and beyond.
ILTexas is empowering students to succeed in the classroom and beyond by fostering confidence, academic excellence and servant leadership — and by facilitating mastery of English, Spanish and Chinese. (Courtesy ILTexas)
ILTexas is home to the largest Marine Corps JROTC program in the country, a dynamic platform where students deepen their understanding of American history and values, and learn how to lead peers, not just subordinates. (Courtesy ILTexas)
In fact, ILTexas is home to the largest Marine Corps JROTC program in the country. Far from a military recruitment track, the program is a dynamic platform where students deepen their understanding of American history and values, and — more importantly — learn how to lead peers, not just subordinates. ILTexas has more than 1,200 cadets in the program, making up more than 28% of the student body.
Another notable way that ILTexas fosters leadership is through its Leadership Speaker Series. From real estate developer and businessman Ross Perot Jr. to decorated veteran Captain Chris Cassidy and engineer, astronaut and artist Dr. Karen Nyberg — students are given the opportunity to engage with and learn from some of the greatest leaders the international community has ever seen.
Kung fu classes conducted entirely in Mandarin
Real-world practice at Chinese restaurants and markets
Summer language camps at Texas A&M and the University of Mississippi
Cultural immersion trips to Taiwan
ILTexas wants students to not just master the languages — but to truly understand the cultures.
ILTexas schools are structured, supportive environments where routines promote success and every student is known. Teachers help students discover their strengths, set ambitious goals and build the confidence to pursue them. (Courtesy ILTexas)
Over 90% of graduates are accepted to four-year universities
Many earn scholarships to top universities, including military academies and international programs
The Class of 2025 has earned over $150,000,000 in merit-based scholarships — and counting.
In addition, the schools offer Eagle Academy, a daily after-school program at every ILTexas campus that serves as an opportunity for students to master the content they’re learning in class.
Every student, every step of the way
Whether a student enters in kindergarten or transfers during high school, ILTexas meets them where they are — with personalized language instruction, a culture of high expectations, and a belief that every student can grow into a leader.
Ready to learn more? Visit ILTexas.org or schedule a tour at an ILTexas campus today.
EDDIE CONGER, ILTEXAS SUPERINTENDENT