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Insha Tauqueer, 15, is a published author. Her debut novel, Subject V-13, hit the market this spring.

"I started writing short stories when I was 13," Insha said. "At 14, I finished my first full draft, and that’s when I thought I might actually be able to publish it."

Subject V-13 is a young adult sci-fi story exploring themes of tyranny, oppression, and fractured loyalties. Insha credits her mother for fostering her love of reading, writing, and creative expression. Even at her young age, she is familiar with writer’s block but remains committed to writing daily—even if it is just one sentence to keep the story moving. Those inspired moments, however, can lead to her pounding out 10,000 words over a weekend.

While her head may be in the clouds when creating fiction, Insha is a realist about the challenges of a writing career.

“I would love to write for a living, but the success rate is very low,” she said. “The majority of writers have a secondary income.” She is also considering careers in medicine or law.

Insha enrolled at Gateway in the middle of sixth grade after her family moved to Georgetown. She believes her time as a Gator has significantly improved her writing.

“Gateway has taught me different ways to introduce and describe characters,” she said. “I’ve also learned how to edit properly, which made the process easier and helped my writing sound more professional.”

Insha’s talents extend beyond writing. She enjoys painting, karate, and volleyball. Her martial arts training in Tang Soo Do began in 2021, and she is now a Cho-Dan-Bo, or black belt candidate.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that Insha published a book,” said Jacob Taylor, one of her high school teachers. “She’s always been a driven, hard worker with a passion for the arts. I doubt this will be the last time we read one of her works.”

Taylor’s prediction may come true. Insha aims to publish at least five books before graduating high school—a goal she is well on her way to achieving. Looking ahead, Insha is eyeing UCLA and NYU, depending on her career path. However, if her passion for writing continues to flourish, her story may take an unexpected turn.

Insha’s debut novel, Subject V-13, is available on Amazon.

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High School Application

Middle School Application

The College Board acknowledges schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

“This award is a testament to our founding mission to prepare students for post-secondary education that best fit their individual needs,” said Jessica Bond, Dean of Admissions and College Readiness at Gateway College Prep.  “We are delighted to have the highest AP ranking - it is a community-wide effort, from teachers and administration to students and parents.”

Honored schools receive Bronze to Platinum recognition based on metrics of college culture, credit and optimization.  Gateway College Prep earned Platinum distinction. 

“AP gives students opportunity to engage with college-level work, to earn college credit and placement, and build professional career skills they can use no matter what path they choose after high school,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “Congratulations to this year’s AP School Honor Roll recipients for proving it’s possible to expand participation in these rigorous courses and still drive strong performance.”

About Orenda Education
Orenda Education is the sponsoring entity for Orenda Charter School District, an “open-enrollment charter school district.” Fueled by educators and parents passionate about school choice, Orenda Charter School District operates four Central Texas campuses serving 2,000 students, providing innovative instructional methods to help students reach their academic and human potential. For more information, visit orendaeducation.org.

About College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP®)
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

 

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The ranking includes data on nearly 47,000 public elementary schools across the country and is based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education, most of which came from the department's Common Core of Data.

Gateway College Prep achieved a ranking in the top 10% for public elementary schools in Texas and #16 for all Texas public charter elementary schools (#2 in the entire greater Austin region).  A full list of school rankings and criteria can be found at usnews.com.

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About Orenda Education

Orenda Education is the sponsoring entity for Orenda Charter School District, an “open-enrollment charter school district.” Fueled by educators and parents passionate about school choice, Orenda Charter School District operates four Central Texas campuses serving nearly 2,000 students, providing innovative instructional methods to help students reach their academic and human potential. For more information, visit orendaeducation.org.