Educating students and the area’s workforce remains a top priority of Midland. The Midland Independent School District is one of the fastest-growing districts in the state with 37 campuses serving approximately 26,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The district also has a robust Head Start program for preschoolers as well as magnet schools that focus on science and technology, communications and fine arts. Career technology programs for high schools include business, health care and petroleum technology. There are also several private and charter school options in Midland and an active home school community.
Midland College is a junior college offering associate’s degrees and even some bachelor’s degrees. The college also offers dual credit programs through the high schools, allowing students to earn high school and college credits concurrently. The campus also serves the energy industry by offering many opportunities for continuing education through its Petroleum Professional Development Center.
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is part of the prestigious University of Texas system. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, education, counseling, computer science, engineering and geology. UTPB has a new, state-of-the-art science and technology building housing their accredited petroleum and engineering programs. The university is also home to the award-winning Wagner-Noel Performing Arts Center, which brings major musical acts and performances to West Texas.