Charter Moms Chats

Eleanor Kolitz Hebrew Language Academy, known as EKHLA, is a public charter school that prepares confident students through high academic and behavioral standards, who are grounded in Hebrew language and Israeli culture. Members of the leadership team at EKHLA, including Principal/Superintendent Kathryn Cohen, Vice Principal Tracy Smith, and District Coordinator/Athletics Director Gabriela Tawil, join us to share about the school's rich culture and to offer advice about applying during open enrollment in the month of February.

Pre-K 4 SA provides full-day prekindergarten to thousands of three- and four-year-old children in San Antonio at centers across the city. On February 1, they will begin enrolling students for the 2024–25 school year. Dr. Sarah Baray, CEO of Pre-K 4 SA, joins us to talk about the importance of high quality early childhood education and how Pre-K 4 SA and its partners are lifting up the economy and workforce in San Antonio.

TriPoint Academy is designed to help students by connecting their learning to a variety of experiences through art, service learning, and connection to nature. This tuition-free, public microschool opened in August 2023 and is expanding to grades K–8 for the 2024–25 school year. Megan Correia, Founder–Director of TriPoint Academy, joins us to discuss TriPoint Academy's first semester and share how families can learn more about the school and enroll their students.

Young Men's Leadership Academy at Wheatley (YMLA) in San Antonio ISD is an SAISD Choice School designed for male learners in grades 6–12. Jessica Avalos-Alvarez joins us to share her perspective about YMLA as a teacher of English and writing courses, sponsor of clubs like the National Honors Society, cross country coach, and parent of a sixth grade student.

International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who will help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. San Antonio ISD has a partnership with the Texas Council for International Studies to offer IB at seven SAISD Choice Schools, including Jefferson and Burbank High Schools, Fenwick and Woodlawn Academies, Harris Middle School, and Briscoe and Woodlawn Hills Elementary Schools. Yareli Melendez, Diploma Programme Coordinator at Thomas Jefferson High School, joins us to discuss the IB curriculum at her school and share how it is helping her students become more active, compassionate learners.

"Coach T" is the name the student call Tamarya Guess, their PE Coach at Compass Rose Dream. The teachers at Compass Rose Dream work diligently to create a welcoming environment for students from many cultures. Coach T joins us to share her Teacher Tales perspective about guiding her students as a coach and mentor.

Democracy Prep at the Stewart Campus, in partnership with San Antonio ISD, is a community school located southeast of downtown that also welcomes students from across San Antonio. Michelle Herrera, Director of Operations of Democracy Prep at the Stewart Campus, and Summer Ahmed, Assistant Principal at Democracy Prep at the Stewart Campus, join us to discuss how DPSC offers a well-rounded college preparatory program that helps scholars reach their full potential.

The Winston School of San Antonio offers a college preparatory education to students with high potential and identified learning differences. Kelly Shy-Maranca, the mother of two students at the Winston School, shares her sons' education journey from struggling with dyslexia and ADHD to developing confidence and experiencing success at the Winston School. Kristin Ashley, Dean of Studies at the Winston School, also joins to discuss the school's programs, including outreach events like the Learning Symposium.

The Circle School is a unique learning environment where teachers have the flexibility to encourage students to follow their passions. Blanca Luna, Operations Administrator, Jason Gossard, Kindergarten Teacher, and Niko del Valle, 6th grade student, join us to share their experiences with The Circle School and offer advice about enrollment.

San Antonio ISD has a wide range of choice schools offering diverse education models such as dual language, project-based learning, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, dual credit, and career-focused programs. These schools serve students from PK-3 through 12th grade, and are tuition-free and open to students inside and outside SAISD. Karen Galván, Special Projects Coordinator, and Diane Fernandez, Executive Director, both at the Office of Access and Enrollment Services in SAISD, join us to talk about SAISD Choice Schools, including the impact of SAISD's Rightsizing plan, and offer advice about the enrollment process.

The Rise School San Antonio is an early childhood program that will open in August 2024 to help children with developmental delays succeed in a school setting. Carter English and his wife Taylor are motivated to bring the Rise School model to San Antonio to serve children like their daughter Isabelle, who has Down syndrome. Carter English and Vanessa Lacoss Hurd, founders of the Rise School San Antonio, join us to share about the benefits of an immersive, fully-integrated experience for children with disabilities and traditional learners.

The Haven is a co-learning center that offers students a range of services, including facilitated courses of study, to help students and their families stay on track with their academic goals. The team from Pathways Home Education, including Maricela Luna, Executive Director, and Marilyn Danae, President, joins us to describe the learning spaces at The Haven, including a podcast studio, a maker space, and a fashion design studio, and describe daily activities that help students stay on track with their learning goals. They will also explain how families can set up a consultation and tour The Haven.

Celebrate Dyslexia Schools is an open enrollment charter school designed to provide a transformative educational experience for learners with dyslexia. The school will open in August 2024 serving students in second grade in a temporary location at The DoSeum. Flor Gutierrez, Superintendent of Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, and Jasmin Dean, Board Chair, join us to share about design elements including structured literacy-centered education and social-emotional learning grounded in conscious discipline. She will also offer tips for families who want to learn more about the school and enroll their students for the coming school year.

The Foundation School for Autism—San Antonio is an open enrollment charter school that serves students from ages 3 to 7 who are on the autism spectrum. They receive expert care, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis, from teachers and specialists who help them build communication skills and prepare for learning in a general education setting. Peggy Derby, Campus Director at the Foundation School for Autism—San Antonio, joins us to talk about they are providing the best education possible for young students on the autism spectrum, and how families can enroll their students.

Are there any new conversations to be had about school safety? Mary Field, a board member at the International School of San Antonio and a thoughtful commentator about parenting and education, joins us to discuss her research into tough subjects like gun violence and bullying. She tries to evaluate which safety strategies actually work and offers hope for parents who are trying to keep our children safe and make our communities safer.

Founders Classical Academy of Schertz offers students a classical, liberal arts education with a grounding in United States history, character education, and fine arts. Founders Schertz is located on the Northeast Side of the San Antonio metro area, and is part of a larger network of classical education charter schools. Kelly Hunt, Headmaster at Founders Classical Academy of Schertz, and Dawn Willitt, Assistant Headmaster, join us to talk about the classical education curriculum and offer advice about enrolling your students.

Promesa Academy nurtures its students' love of learning and provides them with rich experiences. Located on the West Side of San Antonio, Promesa has indoor and outdoor learning spaces and a culture of caring for their students. Isaac Williams, Interim Superintendent of Promesa Academy, Ana Aguilera, Principal, and Julie Rothlauf, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, join us to share about how they build strong relationships with each student and support them with love. They will also offer tips for how to learn more about the campus and enroll your student at Promesa Academy.

Harmony Public Schools offers STEM education and project-based learning for students who want a rigorous education that will prepare them for college and careers. We will speak with a team from Harmony Public Schools South Texas, including Guadalupe Ruiz, Student Recruitment and Retention Specialist at Harmony Science Academy—San Antonio, Megan Parrish, District Director of Communications and Marketing, and Claire Haller, PreK–2 District Coach, to learn about how Harmony students work with robots, drones, solar cars, and more on their paths towards understanding the natural world and making our lives better. We will also talk about campus improvements and how to apply for enrollment at Harmony Public Schools.

Compass Rose Public Schools is a network of charter schools where academic achievement coupled with personal growth is their “True North.” Join us for a discussion with Ryane Burke, Chief Schools Officer at Compass Rose Public Schools, Melissa Sanchez, Vice President of Student Support Services at Compass Rose Public Schools, and Myeisha Haywood, Principal of Compass Rose Journey Elementary. They will share what's unique about each campus and explain how families can apply for their students to enroll at Compass Rose in the San Antonio region.

Over the past decade, BASIS Texas Charter Schools have established themselves as the #1 district in Texas by offering students a world-class, liberal arts education. Ken Tyrrell, Vice President of School Operations at BASIS Ed Texas, and David King, Associate Vice President of Academics for BASIS Ed Texas, join us to discuss the strengths of the BASIS Charter Schools model—offered at five campuses in the San Antonio area—and offer tips about the upcoming enrollment season.

Legacy Traditional Schools—Texas offers well-rounded, PK–12th grade options in the greater San Antonio area. The Legacy Traditional Schools curriculum emphasizes all areas of academic study, including the arts, physical education, and extensive athletics and extracurricular activities. Dr. Mechiel Rozas, Superintendent at Legacy Traditional Schools—Texas, joins us to share updates about their campuses in the San Antonio area and offer tips for how families can enroll their students.

Great Hearts Online—Texas offers classical education as a free, public, full-time online school. Roger LaMarca, Senior Vice President of Business Operations for Great Hearts Online, joins us to describe what students and families can expect from a Great Hearts education in a virtual setting and the possibilities for flexible scheduling and building community. He will also offer tips for how families can enroll their students for the 2024–25 school year.

Jubilee Academies is a network of charter schools across South Texas that helps students grow their minds and bodies. Erlinda Valderas, Ph.D., Principal at Jubilee Westwood, and Grace Muniz, Associate Superintendent at Jubilee Academies, join us to talk about their San Antonio campuses, their school culture—including athletics and extracurriculars—and how they are getting students ready for college and careers.

Great Hearts Texas offers a classical education at tuition-free, public charter schools. Monet Lessner, Executive Director of Special Student Services at Great Hearts Texas, and April Hufty, Senior Director of Enrollment and Engagement at Great Hearts Texas, will join us to talk about how students benefit from the Great Hearts curriculum and a school culture grounded in a traditional set of virtues. They will also offer advice for families who want to learn more about the schools in the San Antonio area and apply to enroll their students at Great Hearts.

East Central ISD Schools of Choice offer unique learning opportunities to prepare students to thrive in a dynamic economy. Amanda Holman, Ed.D., Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness at East Central ISD, joins us to discuss the specialized learning models at ECISD Schools of Choice and offer advice to families about how to apply for enrollment.

Somerset Academy of Texas is a network of charter schools in San Antonio that share a vision of lifting students up to be global learners. Join us for a discussion with a panel of Somerset Academy school leaders: Cory Oliver, Deputy Superintendent at Somerset Academy of Texas, Lily Collins, Principal at Somerset Academy Lone Star, Bonnie Salas, Principal at Somerset Academy Brooks, and TaLisa Wilson, Principal at Brooks Academy Oaks. They will share about the unique focus of the curriculum at each of their campuses, and explain how families can gather more information and enroll their students at Somerset Academy of Texas.

KIPP Texas—San Antonio is a network of charter schools dedicated to championing equity and chasing excellence. Guadalupe Diaz, Regional Superintendent at KIPP Texas—San Antonio, joins us to talk about growth—including at the new KIPP Somos campus on Callaghan—and offer tips for families to enroll their students at KIPP Texas—San Antonio.

Acton Academy North San Antonio is a microschool that opened in September on the Northwest San Antonio. At Acton Academy, children become curious and independent learners. Stephen and Ashley Foster are the parents of Robert, an eight-year-old student at Acton Academy North San Antonio, and they will join us to share their perspectives about how their son is experiencing freedom and joy in his learning environment.

The School of Science and Technology (SST) is a network of public charter schools with a focus on STEM education and support for character development. Maksat Altiyev, Regional Executive Director for San Antonio and Corpus Christi, and Elizabeth James, Chief Academic Officer, join us to share about SST's academic programs, career pathways, and enrichment programs, and to help families understand how to enroll their students at SST campuses in the San Antonio region.

What are the benefits of private schools? Why are there so many persistent myths about private schools? Join us online for a panel discussion of the pros and cons of private schools, including the opportunity to get your questions answered by our experts. Andrea Banks is the Director of Enrollment Management at Keystone School. Kristin Ashley is the Dean of Studies at The Winston School of San Antonio. Lynique Charles is the Head of School at Fusion Academy San Antonio. Inga Cotton, Founder and Executive Director of San Antonio Charter Moms, serves as moderator.

CAST Schools is a network of five innovative high schools and one PK–12 academy in partnership with four school districts across San Antonio. Each campus has a set of industry and university partners that help students get ready for in-demand careers. Charter Moms Chats will go on site at CAST Med with Principal Dr. Anthony Khosravi, teacher Cameron Stanley, and students Paulina Garcia, Jaylin Rojas, Israel Cantu, and Rafael Monterosa, to experience project based learning in action. We will also gather advice for families and students who are considering enrolling for the coming school year.

Prelude Preparatory School is a charter school on the Southside of San Antonio that gives its students a foundation to succeed in school, live purposeful lives, and become leaders in their communities. Lauren Lewis, Founder and Superintendent, and Laura Rangel, Head of School, join us to cast a vision of what students experience in the classrooms and playgrounds at Prelude Prep. They will also share advice for families who want to learn more about the school and enroll their children.

Anne Frank Inspire Academy is a place where students can belong, find joy, and be great. Expert facilitators guide students on an inquiry-based learning process that makes their educational experience relevant, fun, and challenging. Justin Johnston, Assistant Superintendent at Anne Frank Inspire Academy, and Stephanie Bryant, Principal at Anne Frank Inspire Academy—NW Military, join us to explain how they are working to reimagine and transform global learning, and how families can enroll their students at the Bandera Rd. campus and the NW Military campus.

New Frontiers Public Schools offers early college programs to high school students who want to earn college credits through Alamo Colleges. Jeff Flores, Principal at Imelda Davis Early College High School, and Kathy Rodriguez, Vice President of the board of New Frontiers Public Schools, join us to discuss the benefits of early college high school programs and how families can get their students enrolled.

Royal Public Schools offers an innovative education model for students in grades K–6 on the Southside of San Antonio. Soner Tarim, Ph.D., CEO of Royal Public Schools, and Gabby Patton, Principal, join us to share about the how the school is supporting students with rigorous curriculum and instruction, as well as social and emotional learning. They will also share tips for parents and caregivers about how to visit the school for a tour and enroll their students.

Across the San Antonio region, there are schools of choice that offer many different learning models. Inga Cotton, Founder and Executive Director of San Antonio Charter Moms, compares these learning models: child-centered learning, classical education, college and career readiness, functional needs schools, credit recovery schools, culturally responsive schools, dual language education, single-gender schools, and STEM schools. She also gives examples of schools of choice, including open enrollment public charter schools, in-district charter schools, and magnet schools, that fit these different learning models. sachartermoms chartermomschats schoolsearch schoolchoice sanantonio education

Valor Education is a Texas-based network of schools that nourish the human desire for wisdom, virtue, friendship, and community. Valor San Antonio opened in August 2023 as a tuition-free, public charter school on the Northwest Side of San Antonio. Dr. Mark Discher, Headmaster of Valor San Antonio, Stephen Gordon, Superintendent of Valor Education, and Erin Fonner, Director of Marketing and Communications for Valor Education, join us to discuss their hopes for the new San Antonio campus and share how families can learn more information and enroll their students.

IDEA Public Schools is a network of tuition-free, public charter schools with 15 campuses across San Antonio, and more schools in regions across Texas and the U.S. Their mission is to prepare all students for college. Ernesto Cantu, Chief Schools Officer for IDEA Public Schools, joins us for a discussion of how IDEA Public Schools ensures that nearly 100 percent of its graduates attend college and share information for parents and caregivers who want to enroll their children at IDEA Public Schools in San Antonio.

TriPoint Academy is designed to serve students with different needs by involving them in projects and helping them experience the interconnectedness of the world. This tuition-free, public microschool opened this month and is still enrolling students in grades 3–8 for the 2023–24 school year. Megan Correia, Director of Academics at School Innovation Collaborative, joins us to discuss her design process for creating TriPoint Academy and share about the school's recent launch.

Mater Academy San Antonio is a proposed charter school with a student-focused culture, preparing students for college and career pathways. Bonnie Salas, Board Chair of Mater Academy San Antonio, as well as Shannine Sadesky, Daniel Diaz, and Courtney Oliver, who are part of the Mater Academy San Antonio application team, join us to share about successful Mater Academy schools in Florida, Nevada, and beyond. Also, families will learn about upcoming information sessions and opportunities to support Mater Academy San Antonio in the Gen 29 charter application process.

What is the right timeline for doing a school search? How early can you start, and what can you do if you get a late start? Inga Cotton, Founder and Executive Director of San Antonio Charter Moms, breaks it down in stages, explaining what steps to do in the year leading up to your child's first day at their new school. Our goal is to help you know what to expect in the school search process and show you tools to guide you towards enrolling your children in high-quality schools that are the right fit for their needs.

Founders Classical Academy Online is a tuition-free, full-time, online school serving students in grades K–8 in Texas and Arkansas. Program Director/Headmaster Jaeil “Jay” Kim joins us to share about how the program offers innovative virtual education while staying true to the commitments of classical education. Also joining the conversation: Linnea Johnstone, Dean of Academics and Fourth Grade Teacher; Jennifer Moore, Middle School History and Literature Teacher, and Ray Bergez, Project Manager.

Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak is a new early childhood education program that will offer child-centered learning and dual language education for children between the ages of eight weeks to six years. Pamela Hernandez, Owner/Director of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, and Leoni Wallace, Curriculum Director, join us to talk about the benefits of child-centered learning and share their excitement about the grand opening of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak.

Gabby Patton is the new K–8 Principal at Royal Public Schools, a charter school that offers an innovative education model for students in grades K–6 on the Southside of San Antonio. She joins us to talk about her career in education and leadership and what she hopes to accomplish this year with the teachers, students, and families of Royal Public Schools.

When families decide to start homeschooling, they often feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. Pathways Home Education provides comprehensive support so that students can succeed in a homeschool environment. Maricela Luna, Executive Director of Pathways Home Education, and her colleagues Marilyn Danae, President, and Chelsea Polanco, Community Outreach, join us to discuss how the emotional and mental distress of the pandemic inspired some families to shift to homeschooling, and how Pathways Home Education helps families look at all their options and lay a foundation for post-secondary success.

TriPoint Academy is designed to serve students with different needs by involving them in projects and helping them experience the interconnectedness of the world. Megan Correia, Director of Academics at School Innovation Collaborative, joins us to discuss how she designed TriPoint Academy based on her observations as a parent of three unique learners and as a teacher who finds creative solutions to met students' needs. This new, tuition-free, partnership school will open in San Antonio in July 2023 and is currently accepting applications for enrollment.

University Presbyterian Children's Center (UPCC) has two outdoor classrooms where children are taught academic concepts through nature exploration while developing emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Cindi Catlin-Gaskins, Director of UPCC, and Sandy Stout, Assistant Director, join us discuss how they offer developmentally appropriate, nature-based learning for young children.

Coker Early Learning Center is dedicated to children's physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth while encouraging independence and the development of each child's individual talents and abilities. Sharon Aguilar, Director of Coker Early Learning Center, joins us to share about their traditions and sense of community, as well as programs like Gift of Time for young students who need additional preparation for kindergarten. Assistant Director Sandy Cavin and teacher Yvette Ramirez will also be joining the conversation.

The Discovery School of San Antonio is an early childhood program that fosters a love of learning in children by letting them do what they do best: play. Mary Stanchak, Director of the Discovery School, joins us to share about how their experienced teachers provide students with individualized attention, creating a community of celebration.

The artists at the Magik Theatre use the power of theatre and storytelling for children that activates imagination, grows young minds, and inspires creativity. We visited Artistic Director Anthony Runfola in his office for a conversation about their current production, Schoolhouse Rock Live (through June 5) that helps raise awareness of civics in a fun, retro way. Anthony also shared about their summer production, The Lightning Thief (July 1–August 6), and summer camp, The Percy Jackson Musical Theatre Experience. Children may identify with the Camp Half Blood crew who have learning differences because of their divine heritage; they may also be inspired to pick up a Percy Jackson book and spend more time reading this summer. The Magik Theatre is helping children develop a love of learning that is the key to a more literate future for our community.

At a dual enrollment school, students can earn their high school diploma while also attending community college and earning college credit. Dariela Galindo, a senior at Travis Early College High School, joins us to share her experience in the supportive environment at San Antonio College and update us since her last interview when she was a sophomore.