Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy

On the northeastern edge of the University of North Texas at Dallas campus, you’ll find a unique school. Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy isn’t your typical high school. This $21.5 million facility, opened in 2011, is designed to prepare students for college and beyond. The Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy holds a special place in the Dallas Independent School District. The academy is named after Kathlyn Joy Gilliam, a trailblazing figure who made history as the first African American woman on the Dallas ISD school board. She later became the first African American to serve as the president of the board, leaving an undeniable mark on education. The architecture of the Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy is as impressive as its namesake. Imagine walking through its spacious atrium, bathed in natural light streaming through the many windows. Picture yourself in one of the 25 modern classrooms, the Dallas skyline stretching out before you like a canvas of possibilities. The school goes beyond traditional classrooms. The wireless building, a hub of technology and learning, houses two computer labs, a combined lecture hall and theater, an amphitheater, and the “Go Center.” This resource center is staffed by UNT Dallas students, ready to guide Gilliam students through the intricacies of college and scholarship applications. Every detail, from the undulating metal ceiling to the Italian marble in the bathrooms, speaks to the commitment to creating an environment conducive to success. What truly sets the Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy apart is its dedication to college readiness. Students don’t just attend high school here – they embark on a journey toward higher education. The academy offers a unique blend of high school and college courses, allowing students to earn up to 60 transferable college credit hours before they even graduate high school.