Since 1998,Willow Bend Academy has been a pioneer in individualized, mastery learning. We opened in the summer of 1998 under the name Education Center of Plano with a mission of providing a “custom tailored education” to students based on their abilities and interests rather than the traditional model where students are grouped into large categories – usually based on grade level – and all students progress at the same speed in all subjects.

The name caused confusion. People associated the name with the disciplinary alternative school of the local school district.  Thus, the name was changed to Willow Bend Academy with the same mission.

The academy opened at its present location in the fall of 1998 with two students, but over the year grew to around forty.

In January 2013, a separate middle school campus was opened within easy walking distance of the high school. Now middle school students have their own peer group with appropriate activities.

The academy is accredited by AdvancEd/ Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students may transfer credits to other schools and are eligible to seek admission to colleges and universities with the same standing as other accredited schools in the nation.

Since the 2009-2010 school year, Willow Bend Academy has accepted International students. Now, our students come from many countries.  We do not require English proficiency  for admission.  We teach English Learner classes for students whose English is weak.

The Willow Bend Academy chapter of National Honor Society achieved national recognition for its community service projects in 2014 and again in 2017.

Academically,  students score well above the Texas and national averages on both the SAT and ACT testing programs.

Our graduates attend Baylor University, Harvard University, Louisiana State University, Ohio State University, Seton Hall University, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas, University of Texas and a host of other well known universities. (See campus profiles on the Superintendent’s welcome page.)