Mission Statement: To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Hello and welcome to the Advanced Learning Academy PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association).  Our group goes beyond parents, teachers, and students to include grandparents, community members, friends, extended family, etc.   Everyone is welcome to join us!

We are group of volunteers who work to preserve our school and enrich the education and lives of our students.  

We operate as nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization within the Texas PTA and the National PTA.  

QnA:  you asked; we answered.

Q: Is it PTA or PTSA or what?

A: Yes, we use these acronyms interchangeably.  PTA = Parent Teacher Association.  PTSA = Parent Teacher Student Association.  Both fall under the National PTA and Texas PTA and both offer membership to all adults. (You don't have to be a teacher or a parent.)  The difference is that a PTSA also offers a student membership.

Q: Is this just a social group for parents?

A: No. PTA (and PTSA) is an advocacy group that supports children.  We do work together (and socialize) to build school community and to achieve our goals.

Q: If I join, are you going to expect me to volunteer?

A: No.  Becoming a member is the easiest way to show your support and there is no obligation to volunteer. 

Q: Are you taking resources away from a club?

A: No.  While some parents choose to give to grassroots fundraising, many people have thanked us because they only feel comfortable giving to a registered 501(c)(3). 

Q: When I donate to you, where does the money go?

A: 100% goes directly to supporting ALA-PTSA.  All board members are unpaid volunteers.  When you join, a portion of the membership fee goes TxPTA and to National PTA. 

Q: I was told that you cannot carry money over from one fiscal year to the next; is that true?

A: There is no established minimum or maximum amount that should (or shouldn't) be carried over.  Some PTAs choose to add a maximum carry over amount to their bylaws; ALA-PTSA does not have this restriction.

Q: Why donate to the school via ALA-PTSA?

A: ALA-PTSA offers:  

• Transparency.  Every dollar is tracked and reported.

•  Members' choice.  The budget is determined by the members (within the boundaries of the National PTA and maintaining non-profit status with the IRS.)

• Schools with PTAs have higher graduation rates, higher test scores than prior to having a PTA, increased volunteerism, and increased support from the community.