News Summary
In a shocking announcement, Bexar County Academy and The Gathering Place Charter School in San Antonio will close, leaving families scrambling for educational options. Bexar County Academy will not reopen for the new academic year after concerns over communication and rapid decision-making. Meanwhile, The Gathering Place Charter School will close due to low test scores and declining enrollment. Parents express sadness and anxiety as they seek alternative educational settings for their children, particularly for those with special needs. The community’s educational landscape faces significant changes as families navigate this transition.
San Antonio – Two charter schools, Bexar County Academy and The Gathering Place Charter School, have announced closures, leaving families scrambling for alternative educational options just days before the new academic year begins.
Bexar County Academy confirmed it would not reopen for the 2025-2026 academic year, effective July 31, 2025, with parents being notified only after the Texas Education Agency approved the decision on August 3. Concerns have been raised from parents about the abrupt announcement, especially regarding communication about the school’s future. The school’s Board of Directors made the decision to voluntarily surrender the charter on July 24, but parents were left in the dark until shortly before school was set to begin.
Parents have expressed frustrations regarding the lack of notification concerning their children’s education. Many are particularly concerned about the implications of the closure on students with learning disabilities. The principal of Bexar County Academy acknowledged the ineffective communication, stating that families were not adequately informed about the school’s status. As of 2024, Bexar County Academy enrolled 153 students, and many of these children had reported significant progress, raising concerns about their future educational opportunities.
The Texas Education Agency has assigned two conservators to facilitate the school’s closure and assist parents in accessing their children’s school records. Families are encouraged to reach out to the school directly at 210-432-8600 for assistance. Additionally, the state agency is advising parents to explore alternative school options and providing resources on its website.
Meanwhile, The Gathering Place Charter School will close at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, a decision stemming from low student test scores and declining enrollment. The Texas Education Agency chose not to renew its charter, and the school’s Board of Directors opted against appealing this decision due to financial constraints and limited chances of success. The Gathering Place had a student population of 497, with 40% enrolled in special needs programs, making the closure even more significant for those families.
In light of these closures, parents are concerned about the dwindling options available for quality education in the area. The Gathering Place has announced its commitment to providing support to families during this transition and has emphasized its prior focus on social-emotional development. However, the school noted that academic performance had not met necessary expectations, which ultimately led to its closure.
With the upcoming school closures, parents have expressed sadness and concern over the potential lack of similar educational opportunities. Many are worried that the unique learning models present in these charter schools will be lost, as the education community in San Antonio works through the implications of this dual closure. Advocates for charter schools highlight the need to sustain academic standards that resonate with parents seeking quality education for their children.
As families navigate these unexpected changes, it remains crucial for them to research and identify alternative educational settings that will align with their children’s learning needs. Addressing these challenges will take community effort and support as they adapt to a new chapter in their children’s education.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: San Antonio Charter School Announces Closure 5 Days Before Start Date
- Google Search: San Antonio Charter School Closure
- KENS5: San Antonio Schools Cell Phone Policy
- Google Scholar: Texas Education Agency
- Express News: S.A. Charter Announces Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Policy
- Fox San Antonio: Heartbreaking Charter School to Close
- Google News: Charter School Closures Texas
- KSAT: Bexar County Academy Charter Schools Uncertain Future
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
