We do - to get into that STEM magnet, OP had to be among the top 5% test takers, though with that GPA top 1% is more likely.
You’re right that getting into one commutable 4-year college with free tuition may not be a certainty not to mention earning a Hail Mary full ride is a lottery but I simply can’t imagine this student travelling across the country to attend Troy or Prairie View.
Hopefully OP can return and provide details wrt financial situation and what colleges are commutable.