The National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA), a department of ACT, Inc., recognized Friendswood High School and Windsong Intermediate as  2011 NCEA Higher Performing Schools.
          Friendswood High School received Higher Performing (HP) recognition in the following areas:

• Higher Performance based on Growth in Math
• Higher Performance based on Growth in Science

          Windsong Intermediate received Higher Performing (HP) recognition in the following area:

• Higher Performance based on Growth in Science

            The Higher Performing Schools (formerly known as Just for the Kids Schools) are identified by two measures: consistent improvement in student achievement from previous years (growth) and/or absolute student achievement using the school's Commended Performance results on the spring 2009-2011 TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test.
            NCEA's higher performing methodology controls for school and student demographics to allow for an apples-to-apples comparison of school achievement and to demonstrate that with the commitment of educators, all schools can have success no matter the zip code. NCEA provided award certificates to each Higher Performing School and the district.
            The National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) is a department of ACT, Inc, a not for profit organization committed to helping people achieve education and workplace success.