Student Population Continues To Grow: Cook Children’s And Celina ISD Partner

As Celina continues to grow at a record pace, so does the need for accessible, high-quality health care for its youngest residents. To help meet that demand, Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper and Celina Independent School District are launching a new pediatric health partnership beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. 

The collaboration will bring care directly into Celina schools, making it easier for nearly 6,000 students to get the support they need, without leaving campus.

Bringing Health Care To Students 

The program reflects Celina ISD’s motto, Life Connected, by integrating pediatric care into students’ daily routines, an increasingly important step as the district grows alongside the city.

“Cook Children’s has cared for generations of children across North Texas, just as Celina ISD has shaped their minds and futures,” said Tom Maglisceau, Ph.D., superintendent of Celina ISD, in an official statement. “Together, we’re ensuring every student is both well-educated and well-cared for.”

Photo: City of Celina

What the Partnership Provides

Starting in Fall 2025, families across Celina ISD can expect:

  • Virtual visits with pediatric providers: Through Cook Children’s Virtual Health, students can receive real-time care from the school nurse’s office.
  • On-campus treatment for common illnesses: Conditions like fevers, sore throats and earaches can be diagnosed and treated without leaving school, minimizing absences for students and parents alike.
  • Integrated communication and support: Visit summaries, prescription support and coordination with students’ primary care providers will help ensure a smooth care experience.

Meeting The Needs Of An Expanding Community

Celina — currently home to more than 43,000 residents —  is one of the fastest-growing cities in North Texas, with over 800 individuals moving to the area each month. As Local Profile previously reported, the district is projected to grow by more than 7,000 students in the next five years.

For the 2024-2025 school year, Celina ISD saw its student population rise to 5,300, reflecting an increase of 838 students compared to the previous year.

With thousands of new families moving into Celina, school-based services like this partnership represent a forward-thinking approach to community care. By removing barriers to access, Cook Children’s and Celina ISD are not just responding to the area’s growth, they’re shaping a more connected, student-centered future.

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