San Antonio, TX, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Families in San Antonio face upheaval as the Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art and Design and Bexar County Academy announce their closures due to financial and enrollment challenges. The Henry Ford Academy will close after 15 years of operation, while Bexar County Academy ceased operations just days before the new school year. Parents express frustration over the timing and disruption to their children’s education, particularly for students with special needs. As the Texas Education Agency steps in, the community’s support for affected families becomes crucial.
San Antonio, TX – The impending closure of two charter schools has left many families in San Antonio scrambling as the new academic year approaches. The Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art and Design will shut its doors after 15 years of operation due to low enrollment and reduced federal funding. Its final day of operation will be August 31, 2025.
The decision to close the Henry Ford Academy was announced by Superintendent Jessica Rae Sanchez, who noted that the closure does not undermine the worth of the school or its students, who have enjoyed a supportive environment, particularly for LGBTQIA+ youth and students of color. The school hosted a community meet-up in July, allowing families to celebrate the student experiences and access their children’s academic records.
Compounding the situation, Bexar County Academy is also ceasing operations just five days before the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. Families were informed of this closure on August 6, mere days before classes were scheduled to begin on August 11. Parents expressed feelings of frustration and bewilderment at the timing, describing the notification as “blindsiding.”
Statistics indicate that nearly 86% of Bexar County Academy’s students are Hispanic, and 69% are classified as economically disadvantaged. The school’s Board of Directors voted to surrender its charter to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), citing long-term sustainability issues. Although parents were notified about the closure on August 6, the closure took effect on July 31, adding to the confusion as the academy had an active enrollment link on its website prior to the announcement. The TEA has since appointed two conservators to manage the closure process for the academy.
Notably, Bexar County Academy received an ‘F’ grade for the 2022–2023 academic year, which may have contributed to this closure decision. Parents are expressing concerns regarding the impact this sudden closure will have on their children’s education, particularly for those with special needs.
In light of the unfolding situations, the TEA has stressed the importance of supporting families during this transition. Families requiring school records or guidance on alternative educational options have been directed to reach out directly to the respective schools.
Context of the Closures
The challenges faced by both schools highlight broader issues in charter school sustainability in San Antonio. The difficulties of maintaining enrollment numbers combined with financial constraints, such as federal funding cutbacks, pose ongoing challenges for many charter institutions. The TEA’s involvement underscores the need for oversight in cases where schools are forced to close due to performance issues. The community’s role in supporting affected families and students is particularly emphasized as these transitions unfold.
FAQ
What are the names of the schools that are closing?
The Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art and Design and Bexar County Academy are both closing.
When will the closures take effect?
The Henry Ford Academy will close on August 31, 2025, while Bexar County Academy closed on July 31, 2025, with families notified on August 6.
Why are these schools closing?
The Henry Ford Academy is closing due to low enrollment and reduced federal funding, while Bexar County Academy faced long-term sustainability issues and received an ‘F’ grade for its academic performance.
How are parents responding to these closures?
Parents have expressed frustration over the last-minute notices regarding the closures, particularly regarding the impact on their children’s education and transitional support.
What support is available for affected families?
The TEA has emphasized the importance of assisting families during this transition, and families seeking academic records or information about alternative schooling options have been directed to the schools.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Henry Ford Academy | Bexar County Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Closure Date | August 31, 2025 | July 31, 2025 |
| Reason for Closure | Low enrollment, reduced federal funding | Long-term sustainability issues, recent ‘F’ grade |
| Percentage of Minority Students | Not specified | 86% Hispanic |
| Support Environment | Supportive for LGBTQIA+ youth and students of color | Not specified |
| Community Engagement | Community meet-up held | Last-minute notice to families |
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express News
- KSAT
- KENS 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter Schools
- Google Search: Charter School Closures Texas
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.
