CoLA Admission and Application Requirements
CoLA Cohorts now have multiple entry points during the year!
Application Deadline Date for Next Cohort
December 12, 2025
With a Start Date of January 22, 2026
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s* degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Official sealed transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Minimum 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale on either all, or the last 60 hours of coursework.
- Valid classroom teaching certificate.
- Official service record confirming at least two (2) years of credible teaching experience.
- Accomplished educator as evidenced by the most recent T-TESS appraisal report or equivalent. Minimum 3.25 average score on Domains 2 and 3 combined, with no dimension scoring below proficient.
- Professional resume reflecting evidence of at least two (2) years of instructional leadership experience.
- Passing score on two program screening instruments (written and face to face interviews).
- Letter of Recommendation/Commitment Form**
- Three (3) professional references.
- Attend CoLA Information Session for current cohort.
- Application fee $50 (non-refundable).
Previous certification exam testing history will be considered when making admission decisions.
The CoLA Online Application along with all required documents must be submitted by the application deadline. Incomplete applications may be considered for the following cohort cycle.
*A Master's degree must be conferred prior to being recommended for a Texas Standard Principal as Instructional Leader Certificate.
**This form will be provided upon the start of an online application and must be completed by the applicant's current campus principal.
