Clear Creek ISD's visual arts, music and theatre programs each earned top-level recognition this year, three honors the district highlighted on the first day of the 2026-27 school year.

The Texas Art Education Association named CCISD a District of Distinction for the fifth straight year, placing it among the top 10% of visual arts programs statewide. The NAMM Foundation designated the district one of the nation's Best Communities for Music Education for the fourth consecutive year. And the Texas Educational Theatre Association awarded CCISD its Exemplary District Award of Distinction, also for the fourth year running.

The Exemplary designation is TETA's highest recognition level.

Greg Goodman, CCISD's director of visual and performing arts, said the honors reflect work happening across the district's 46 campuses.

"More importantly, they reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student who crosses our path has the opportunity to discover, cultivate and nourish their individual gifts and talents," Goodman said in the district's announcement.

Goodman credited the board of trustees, Superintendent Karen Engle, administrators, educators and families for sustained support of fine arts education. He singled out parent volunteers, calling their advocacy "an essential role in making Clear Creek ISD and our Visual and Performing Arts programs truly world class."

The CCISD Board of Trustees recognized Goodman and Stephanie Albert at its June 22 meeting for the district's NAMM music education designation.

What the awards measure

The TAEA launched its District of Distinction program in 2019 with 22 recipients. This year, 127 districts met the 14-point rubric out of more than 1,200 eligible statewide. CCISD is one of the five-year awardees, having earned the honor every year since the program began.

The NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education award, now in its 27th year, evaluates districts nationwide on equitable access to music instruction. The 2026 recipients were published April 6.

League City context

CCISD serves roughly 39,700 students across League City and surrounding communities. The district's three main high schools, Clear Creek, Clear Springs and Clear Falls, feed from campuses where the recognized arts programs operate.

The recognition arrives as the district enters a new budget year. Trustees are scheduled to vote on a $432 million budget at an Aug. 25 hearing.

The Texas Educational Theatre Association's TheatreFest 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.