- SG EXAMPLE (2)
- SG PRV (2)
The Gathering Place is a revolutionary new elementary school in San Antonio. The idea was born from Asia Klekowicz and Ryan York’s belief that kids, especially in historically underserved neighborhoods, don’t get a complete education. We spent 10 years teaching, leading, and seeing glimmers of what could be when teachers are trusted, kids are loved for who they are, and administrators don’t measure students by just test scores — but we never saw those pieces fully come together.
Inspired by what could be and disappointed by what was, we quit our jobs, pooled our savings, and traveled the country searching for schools where creativity flourished and every student and teacher was valued. On our journey, we found ourselves in San Antonio, fell in love with the people, and decided never to leave.
We have seen and learned from the best– but we have yet to find what we know can be. So we’ve decided to build it. We have created a new school. A school we wish was around when we were kids, a school we wished existed when we were teachers, a school that all children deserve.
Started in 2004, Will Smith Zoo School is a fully licensed preschool. It is one of the only preschools in San Antonio that uses nature as the integrating thread tying together the school’s philosophy, methodologies, classroom design, and outdoor spaces.
More Information:
- Will Smith Zoo School is a nature-based preschool.
- Classes are conducted either from 8:45 am to 1:45 pm or 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Will Smith Zoo School students should be ages 3-5 and display confidence in toileting and dressing themselves.
- The teacher to student ratio is one teacher to every 8 students.
- There are three registration options:
- 5-day: Monday through Friday
- 3-day: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- 2-day: Tuesday and Thursday