Aransas County is located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, east of San Antonio and south of Corpus Christi. It is bordered to the north by Refugio County, to the west by San Patricio County, and to the south by Calhoun County. The county covers an area of 887 square miles and has a population of approximately 24,000.
According to gradinmath, the county seat is Rockport, which is also the largest city in Aransas County. Rockport lies on Aransas Bay at the mouth of Copano Bay and is known for its fishing industry as well as its coastal beauty. The city has a population of approximately 10,000 people and is home to several museums and historical sites including Fulton Mansion State Historic Site.
The landscape in Aransas County consists mostly of flat coastal plains with some rolling hills in certain areas. The climate here is generally warm with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing during winter months. Precipitation levels are high throughout the year with most rain falling between April and June while summer months usually bring heavy thunderstorms.
The economy in Aransas County relies heavily on tourism due to its proximity to Corpus Christi Bay and Padre Island National Seashore as well as nearby Rockport Beach Park. Fishing also plays an important role here with commercial fishing boats anchoring along much of the coast line throughout the year. Agriculture also plays a role in the local economy with cotton, grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts being grown throughout much of the county’s interior regions.
Aransas County offers plenty for visitors to do including excellent bird-watching opportunities along Padre Island National Seashore; excellent fishing opportunities along Copano Bay; miles of sandy beaches; camping sites; charter boat tours; canoeing trips down Copano Creek; surfing at Rockport Beach Park; shopping at local boutiques; dining at seafood restaurants; visiting museums such as Fulton Mansion State Historic Site; or simply enjoying some relaxation time away from it all on one of Aransas’s many beaches or parks.
School districts in Aransas County, Texas
Aransas County is served by two public school districts – Rockport-Fulton Independent School District (RFISD) and Aransas County Independent School District (ACISD). RFISD serves the city of Rockport, as well as the communities of Fulton, Lamar, Holiday Beach, Copano Village, and Lamar Peninsula. The district operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one alternative education campus. All of the schools are accredited by the Texas Education Agency.
ACISD serves the communities of Austwell, Bayside, Cactus Lake/Pelican Island/Tivoli, Holiday Beach/Lamar Peninsula/Copano Village/Fulton/Lamar, Port Aransas/Mustang Island and San Antonio Bay. The district operates three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. ACISD is also accredited by the Texas Education Agency.
Both districts are committed to providing a quality education to all students in Aransas County with a focus on college preparation courses for their high school students. A number of extra-curricular activities are offered at both districts such as band programs in both middle and high schools; athletics such as football and volleyball; theatre productions; art programs; clubs such as chess club or robotics club; and academic competitions such as UIL Academic Contests or Science Fair.
In addition to public education options in Aransas County there are also several private schools available including Corpus Christi Montessori School which offers a Montessori curriculum for pre-K through 8th grade; St Joseph Catholic School which offers religious instruction for pre-K through 8th grade; Lifegate Christian Academy which provides a faith based education from pre-K through 12th grade; Faith Academy which provides an educational program from pre-K through 12th grade with an emphasis on Christian values; and Rockport Christian Academy which provides an educational program from pre-K through 12th grade with an emphasis on spiritual growth.
No matter what type of educational option is chosen for students in Aransas County it is clear that there is no shortage of quality options available to meet every family’s needs. With its commitment to providing quality public education options along with its variety of private school choices families can be sure that their children will receive a great education in this beautiful county on the coast of Texas.
Major schools in Aransas County, Texas
Aransas County, Texas is home to a variety of educational options for children of all ages. The county is served by two school districts, the Aransas County Independent School District (ACISD) and the Rockport Fulton Independent School District (RFISD). ACISD serves the communities of Austwell, Bayside, Cactus Lake/Pelican Island/Tivoli, Holiday Beach/Lamar Peninsula/Copano Village/Fulton/Lamar, Port Aransas/Mustang Island and San Antonio Bay. The district operates three elementary schools: Austwell-Tivoli Elementary School (ATES), Lamar Elementary School (LES) and Rockport-Fulton Elementary School (RFE). Also part of ACISD are Rockport-Fulton Middle School (RFM) and Rockport-Fulton High School (RFHS). Both districts are committed to providing a quality education to all students in Aransas County with a focus on college preparation courses for their high school students.
At RFE students benefit from small class sizes and a variety of enrichment opportunities such as music classes and art classes. ATES offers an array of academic programs such as STEM classes for students in grades 3-5. LES provides an advanced reading program for grades PreK-2 as well as an afterschool program which includes sports activities and clubs. RFM offers a variety of engaging elective classes such as robotics or theater arts in addition to its core curriculum courses. RFHS provides college preparatory courses in addition to its regular course offerings which include Spanish, French and German language classes along with art history and computer science.
In addition to public education options in Aransas County there are also several private schools available including Corpus Christi Montessori School which offers a Montessori curriculum for pre-K through 8th grade; St Joseph Catholic School which offers religious instruction for pre-K through 8th grade; Lifegate Christian Academy which provides a faith based education from pre-K through 12th grade; Faith Academy which provides an educational program from pre-K through 12th grade with an emphasis on Christian values; and Rockport Christian Academy which provides an educational program from pre-K through 12th grade with an emphasis on spiritual growth.
No matter what type of educational option is chosen for students in Aransas County it is clear that there is no shortage of quality options available to meet every family’s needs. With its commitment to providing quality public education options along with its variety of private school choices families can be sure that their children will receive a great education in this beautiful county on the coast of Texas.
Notable people of Aransas County, Texas
According to businesscarriers, Aransas County, Texas has been home to many notable people throughout its history. From prominent politicians to legendary authors and actors, this coastal county has produced some of the most influential figures in the state.
One of the most famous people to come from Aransas County is former President George H.W. Bush. He was born in nearby Milton, Texas and later moved to Aransas County where he attended high school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Rockport. After graduating from high school he went on to become a war hero and ultimately the 41st President of the United States.
Another well-known person from Aransas County is actor Matthew McConaughey. He was born in Uvalde, Texas but spent much of his childhood growing up in Rockport where he attended grade school at St Joseph’s Catholic School and then high school at Robert E Lee High School before moving to Longview, Texas for college at Kilgore College and then transferring to the University of Texas at Austin for his degree in film production. After college McConaughey gained fame as an actor with roles in films such as “Dazed and Confused”, “A Time To Kill”, “Magic Mike” and most recently “The Beach Bum” which was filmed mostly on location near Rockport Beach.
Other notable people from Aransas County include legendary authors Katherine Anne Porter who wrote “Ship of Fools” among other works; Pulitzer Prize winning author Larry McMurtry who wrote “Lonesome Dove”; musician Johnny Gimble who played fiddle for country music stars like Willie Nelson; former NFL quarterback Bobby Layne; former U.S Attorney General John Ashcroft; and singer/songwriter Guy Clark who penned hits like “Loretta” and “Desperadoes Waiting For A Train” among others.
As one can see there have been many influential figures who have called Aransas County home over the years making it a great place for those looking for inspiration or just wanting to experience a little bit of history while visiting this beautiful part of Texas on the coast