IDEA Public Schools: Two new campuses in San Antonio {Sponsored}

IDEA Schools San Antonio

IDEA Public Schools, a network of college preparatory charter schools, is currently taking applications for the 2014-15 school year. IDEA Public Schools continues to win accolades for carrying out its mission to help all students get ready for college. Even more students in San Antonio will be able to enjoy an IDEA Public Schools education with the opening of two additional campuses next year.

Back in November, Alamo City Moms Blog co-founder Brooke Meabon visited the community open house at IDEA South Flores. She had a positive reaction to meeting IDEA’s Student Ambassadors: “They greeted me politely, looked me in the eye, shook my hand – impressive.” “A Visit to IDEA Public Schools {Sponsored}”, Brooke Meabon, Alamo City Moms Blog, November 11, 2013.

It’s no accident that the Student Ambassadors who greeted Brooke had so much poise and confidence. It’s part of the IDEA Public Schools culture: setting high academic expectations for students, and giving them the tools to meet those goals, such as the IDEA 55, a set of life skills promoting respect, politeness, and personal responsibility.

During my visits to IDEA South Flores (founded 2013) and IDEA Carver (founded 2012), I have seen the IDEA Public Schools BetterIDEA curriculum in action. Direct Instruction in the classroom allows students to set their own pace in reading and math. Allowing teachers to differentiate instruction means that lagging students have a better opportunity to catch up to grade level. Classroom instruction is supplemented with blended learning in the iLearning Hotspot and Accelerated Reader Zone.

In addition to IDEA Carver and IDEA South Flores, IDEA Public Schools will open two more campuses in San Antonio this fall. Here is a list of campus locations:

  • IDEA Carver (founded 2012) is at 217 Robinson Place, San Antonio, TX 78202, tel. 210-223-8885, will offer grades K-8 in 2014-15
  • IDEA South Flores (founded 2013) is at 6919 S. Flores Street, San Antonio, TX 78221, tel. 210-239-4150, will offer grades K-3, 6 and 7 in 2014-15
  • IDEA Monterrey Park (opening 2014) will be at 222 SW 39th Street, San Antonio, TX 78237, tel. 210-239-4200, will offer grades K-2 and 6 in 2014-15
  • IDEA San Antonio #4 – Name coming soon! – (opening 2014), 6130 Walzem Road, San Antonio, TX 78239, will offer grades K-2 and 6 in 2014-15

Map of IDEA Schools in San Antonio

IDEA Public Schools plans to grow to 20 (yes, twenty, two-zero) campuses in San Antonio. (In July 2013, the Texas Education Agency approved four sites for IDEA Public Schools in San Antonio. “SBOE Will No Longer Approve Charter Applicants”, Morgan Smith and KK Rebecca Lai, Texas Tribune, August 15, 2013.)

A great way to learn more about IDEA Public Schools is to attend an information session and tour a campus. IDEA Carver and IDEA South Flores are holding information sessions on January 14, 23, and 28 at 5:30 p.m., with more dates in February and March. The application window for IDEA Public Schools is open until March 31, 2014. The lottery date is April 5, 2014. (For more ideas about navigating the world of school choice, see “School choice guide: 8 tips to help you choose the right school for your child”, Inga Cotton, Alamo City Moms Blog, December 16, 2013.)

IDEA Public Schools is a great addition to the portfolio of education options for San Antonio families. I am reminded of that fact every time I hear about another award or accolade.

Three IDEA Public Schools were recognized at the 2013 Texas Charter Schools Association conference as High Performing Charters: IDEA College Prep (Rio Grande Valley), IDEA College Preparatory in San Benito and IDEA Frontier College Preparatory (Rio Grande Valley). “Charter Champions Announced, High Performing Charters Honored”, Tracy Young, Texas Charter Schools Association news release, December 13, 2013.

Author Tom Vander Ark recommended that education leaders pay a visit to IDEA Public Schools:

The 30 schools of the IDEA Public Schools prepare south Texas students for college with the rigorous International Baccalaureate program. Visit the flagship high school in Donna and the K-8 feeder school featuring a lab rotation blend.

“35 High Schools Worth Visiting”, Tom Vander Ark, Getting Smart, November 14, 2013.

Read about even more recognition for IDEA Public Schools in 2013: “IDEA Public Schools: a growing success in San Antonio”, Inga Cotton, San Antonio Charter Moms, November 20, 2013.

What questions would you like to ask at an IDEA Public Schools information session?

Inga Cotton
Inga is passionate about parent-driven education: helping parents be the best advocates for their children, finding the right schools (or homeschooling resources), and enjoying San Antonio's variety of arts and cultural events for families. She was born in California but has called Texas home since high school. She works part time as a lawyer and also blogs at San Antonio Charter Moms. Her eight-year-old son, F.T., and five-year-old daughter, G.N., attend a public charter school in the heart of the city. She married a techie and is a bit of a geek herself.

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