How a family-owned Texas institution is shaping future real estate leaders while honoring its roots and community.
When Rita Santamaria opened the Champions School of Real Estate in 1983, she couldn’t have known that her vision, born in a single classroom in North Houston’s Champion area, would grow into one of the largest and most respected real estate education institutions in Texas. More than four decades later, the school she founded has become a cornerstone for aspiring real estate professionals, known for its quality curriculum, personal touch, and a family legacy that runs through every classroom.
Rita began as a teacher, earning her degree in early childhood education before moving into real estate. When she recognized the need for better real estate education in Houston, she combined her teaching expertise with her industry knowledge to create a school dedicated to excellence.
The Champions School of Real Estate began in a single classroom with a handful of students, but its vision was ambitious. Today, the school operates multiple campuses across Texas, including locations in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, with comprehensive online curriculum departments serving students nationally. Every curriculum, including real estate licensing, appraisal, loan officer training, and inspection, is written in-house, ensuring students have the most current and practical materials at their fingertips.
What makes Champions truly unique is its family backbone. Rita’s daughter, Kimberly Dydalewicz, joined the business in 1998 after graduating from college and now co-owns the school alongside her mother. Kim oversees company operations and expanding campuses across Texas.
It’s a family affair: Kim’s brother, David, manages the marketing for the appraisal program and onboards property operations; her husband, Kevin, a licensed broker, serves as statewide teacher liaison and trains instructors; and now their son Kaden works as a P/T career counselor. “We’ve lived in every major city in Texas opening campuses,” Kim shared. “It’s been a labor of love, and our family is deeply invested in the school’s success.”
Monthly leadership calls, annual retreats, and company-wide awards ceremonies reinforce a culture of collaboration and appreciation. Many employees and instructors have been with Champions for decades, creating a sense of continuity and commitment rarely seen in modern business.
From the start, Champions has put students first. The school offers multiple learning formats, including traditional classrooms, virtual broadcasts, and interactive online courses, to meet diverse needs and is open seven days a week!
Students can pursue pre-licensing education for real estate, loan officers, inspectors, and appraisers, or return for license renewals and continuing education. The school’s “Champions Advantage” includes free, unlimited prep courses for state exams once tuition is paid and an industry-leading first-time pass rate.
Even as competitors moved entirely online, Champions maintained its brick-and-mortar presence. As Kim explains, “We believe in giving students options and real people to talk to when they need help. That personal touch sets us apart.”
The school’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Champions has repeatedly been named one of the Best Places to Work in Texas and has earned the National Pinnacle Award for real estate education excellence.
But perhaps its most meaningful contribution is the Live Like Knox Foundation, created in memory of Kim’s youngest son, Knox, who passed away in 2024. The foundation awards scholarships to graduating seniors who embody kindness, character, and leadership, the same traits Knox was known for. At its inaugural event, the foundation awarded $160,000 in scholarships to 21 students across Texas, a testament to the family’s commitment to education and community.
With locations across Texas, a strong online presence, and a growing reputation nationwide, the Champions School of Real Estate shows no signs of slowing down. The school’s podcast, Real Estate Superstars Today, highlights alumni success stories in real estate, mortgage, and appraisal industries, inspiring the next generation of professionals.
For Kim and her family, the mission remains clear: to provide the best education, support, and opportunities for every student who walks through the door, virtual or otherwise.
“We set our students up for success. Whether they’re starting a new career, changing paths, or building on years of experience, Champions is here to help them achieve their goals,” Kim says.
For information on licensing courses, continuing education, or the Live Like Knox Foundation, visit championsschool.com or explore the school’s Facebook page for photos, events, and updates.