San Antonio, August 15, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio families are reeling from unexpected school closures just before the new academic year. Bexar County Academy has announced its closure effective July 31, leaving parents scrambling for alternative schooling options just days before classes were due to start. Similarly, The Henry Ford Academy will close at the end of August due to funding cuts. Both closures have prompted concerns regarding communication and support for families as they navigate this sudden change.
San Antonio families are grappling with sudden school closures just days before the start of the academic year. Bexar County Academy announced it would not reopen for the 2025-2026 school year only five days ahead of its scheduled opening. The closure notice was communicated to families on Wednesday, with classes set to start on Monday. This decision has left many parents in a difficult position as they scramble to find alternative educational arrangements for their children.
The school’s closure became effective on July 31, a full week before families were informed. The Board of Directors made the decision to voluntarily surrender the school’s charter to the Texas Education Agency after a board meeting held on July 24. Parents, such as Regina Vogelsberg, have raised concerns about the inadequate communication and the timing of the notice, which came after families typically plan and secure their educational options for the upcoming school year.
Urgent Need for Alternatives
Parents were reportedly unaware of any potential closure prior to summer break, adding to their frustrations. The school’s principal acknowledged a lack of “clear information” regarding the school’s future after the board’s vote. In light of these events, many families, particularly those with children who have special needs, have expressed anger over the short notice, making it challenging to prepare for this significant change.
Following the closure, the Texas Education Agency appointed two conservators, Bobby Parker and Kevin Demirci, to oversee the closure process. They will ensure that the school transitions smoothly while also managing its financial responsibilities. As per the instructions received, all references to enrollment were to be removed, and the school’s website now directs users to a closure letter instead of allowing them to enroll.
Parents seeking access to their children’s school records can contact a designated phone number provided by the agency. To assist families in finding alternative school options, the Texas Education Agency is encouraging them to visit its website, which aims to facilitate connections to prospective schools.
Additional Closure Announcement
In a separate announcement, The Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art + Design also revealed it would close, effective August 31. This decision was influenced by a significant reduction in Title I funding and low enrollment figures. The Academy had served 75 high school students, many of whom were economically disadvantaged.
Superintendent Jessica Rae Sánchez communicated the closure earlier in the summer. She clarified that the decision does not reflect the school’s academic performance, as the Academy had recently received a 10-year charter renewal and boasted a graduation rate of 96%. In light of this closure, the school will be working throughout the remaining summer to facilitate transitions for their students and staff to other educational institutions.
The administration at The Henry Ford Academy plans to hold a community meeting to address questions and guide students and families towards potential new schools. This proactive approach aims to alleviate concerns and assist families in adjusting to the change.
Conclusion
The unexpected closures of both Bexar County Academy and The Henry Ford Academy have left families in San Antonio searching for immediate educational alternatives. The Texas Education Agency and other local educational institutions are working to support affected families during this challenging transition.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
- What led to the closure of Bexar County Academy?
- The Board of Directors voted to voluntarily surrender the school’s charter to the Texas Education Agency due to various challenges, including insufficient communication and planning.
- When was the closure notice issued to families?
- Families were notified on Wednesday, just five days before classes were scheduled to start on Monday.
- What support is available for families affected by the school closures?
- The Texas Education Agency has appointed conservators to oversee the closure and is encouraging families to visit its website for assistance in finding alternative schools.
- What other schools are closing in San Antonio?
- The Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art + Design has also announced its closure effective August 31 due to decreased funding and low enrollment numbers.
Key Features of School Closures
| Feature | Bexar County Academy | The Henry Ford Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Closure Date | July 31, 2025 | August 31, 2025 |
| Reason for Closure | Voluntary surrender of charter | Funding cuts and low enrollment |
| Number of Students Affected | Unknown | 75 high school students |
| Transition Support | Conservators appointed, contact for records | Community meeting planned for guidance |
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News
- KSAT
- KENS 5
- Google Search: San Antonio education closures
- Wikipedia: Charter school
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.
