OUR SCHOOL
OUR TEAM
About the
High School for Law & Justice
Early College
Principal's Message
Welcome to the High School for Law and Justice, an Early College High School!
I'm Dr. Steven Shetzer, and I'm honored to serve as the principal of this esteemed institution.
I began my career in education as a social studies teacher at Westbury High School in 2004, where I taught a range of courses including World Geography, AP U.S. History, and AP Government. In 2011, I transitioned to Roberts Elementary as the Magnet Coordinator and later served as Assistant Principal. The following year, I was named Principal of Kolter Elementary School, and in 2016, I became the Principal of Pershing Middle School. I proudly joined the HSLJ family in January 2024.
Staff Directory
Originally from Southern California, I relocated to Texas over 20 years ago. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Political Science from California Baptist University, followed by a Master's and Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston.
I am passionate about the transformative power of education and its profound impact on students' lives. I value working alongside teachers, parents, and community members to ensure every student receives a meaningful, engaging, and supportive educational experience. At HSLJ, our unique programs in law, criminal justice, and emergency services, combined with our Early College opportunities, prepare students for success in college, career, and civic life.
I look forward to partnering with you to support our students' journeys and continue the tradition of excellence at HSLJ.
School History
The High School for Law & Justice Early College (HSLJEC) was established in 1981 by Dr. Judy Morris as a recruitment source for minority police officers in the Houston area. What began as a focused effort to diversify law enforcement has since grown into a nationally recognized magnet program offering students real-world preparation for careers in law enforcement, legal studies, and emergency services.
Under Dr. Morris’s leadership, the school laid a strong foundation in criminal justice education. After her retirement in 2004, Mrs. Carol Mosteit led the school for 15 years, further strengthening its programs and partnerships. In 2019, Mrs. Stacy Garcia took the helm and continued the school’s legacy of excellence until 2023.
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Steven Shetzer, HSLJEC continues to grow and innovate, offering hands-on experiences, strong academic programming, and career-aligned opportunities for students. The school is proud to be a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School and holds an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency.
Now located at 3505 Coyle Street in Houston, Texas, HSLJEC remains a stand-alone magnet school dedicated to shaping the future leaders of law and justice.
Campus Mission
The mission of the High School for Law and Justice Early College is to provide students and staff with a safe facility wherein strong academic education is provided in conjunction with an in-depth study of law enforcement, legal studies, and emergency services to provide a successful transition into their chosen career paths or advanced academics.
Campus Vision
To create a school where students can grow and develop through rigorous education and training into future leaders in law and justice.
Early College High School
The Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) allows students an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma and a credential and/or an associate degree. The hallmark of the P-TECH model is its career focus and the provision of work-based education. P-TECH programs:
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Enroll historically underserved students, targeting at-risk and economically disadvantaged
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Provide students grade 9 through 12 the opportunity to complete a course of study that combines high school and post-secondary courses
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Enable students to earn a high school diploma, along with an associate degree, Level 1 or Level 2 certificate, or industry-based certification within six years
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Offer age-appropriate work-based learning opportunity in every grade level
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Allow students to gain work experience through an internship, apprenticeship, or other job training program
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Align to regional workforce needs, guiding students into high-demand, high-wage careers
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Partner with Texas Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and regional businesses and industries, giving students access to post-secondary education and workforce training opportunities
Title I
The mission of the External Funding Titles I, II & IV Department is to support schools by providing opportunities for all children to acquire the knowledge and skills contained in challenging state content and performance standards. This mission includes supplementing academic areas, especially in reading and mathematics; promoting schoolwide reform; increasing staff development opportunities; distributing resources to areas and campuses where needs are the greatest; affording parents meaningful opportunities to participate in their children's education; and aligning the schools' instructional efforts with those of the state and district.
All department efforts ensure that support is provided for schools and students with the greatest need and that the school district remains in compliance with fiscal and programmatic regulations. See the resource links below for additional information.
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The purpose of Title I, Part A is to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards, regardless of economic status. Title I is the government's attempt to provide all children with the opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close the achievement gap.
ESSA divides Title I into five parts:
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Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
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State Assessment Grants
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Education of Migrant Children
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Prevention & Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk
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Flexibility for Equitable Per-Pupil Funding
Our school participates in the Title I Program, a federally funded program that provides additional resources to help all students succeed academically.
This page provides quick access to important Title I documents, policies, and meeting information.
For reference, Title I information from the district can be found here.
Purpose of the Title I, Part A Program
Purpose of the Title I, Part A Program
