San Antonio, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The recent announcement of closures for Henry Ford Academy and Bexar County Academy in San Antonio has left parents alarmed and scrambling for alternatives. Citing low enrollment and dwindling federal funding, the Texas Education Agency revealed the decision just days before the new academic year was set to begin. Parents learned about the abrupt closure of Bexar County Academy just five days before the semester launch, sparking frustrations over the lack of timely notification. As stakeholders respond to these significant transitions, questions emerge regarding the broader implications for the local education system.
San Antonio
The Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art and Design and Bexar County Academy have announced their closures just days prior to the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, raising concerns among affected parents. The closures are attributed to low enrollment and reduced federal funding, as reported by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
The Henry Ford Academy will cease operations on August 31 after 15 years of serving the community. TEA’s communication regarding the closure highlighted the financial challenges facing the school, with Superintendent Jessica Rae Sanchez clarifying that the decision does not reflect on the quality of the school’s students or staff. In light of the closure, school officials are dedicated to ensuring a supportive transition for all involved, including hosting a community meet-up previously set for July.
In a more abrupt turn of events, Bexar County Academy communicated its closure via a letter to families on August 6, just five days ahead of the upcoming semester. Parents were informed that the school’s Board of Directors voted to voluntarily surrender its charter to the TEA on July 31, which was a week before notifying parents about the decision. This last-minute announcement has left families feeling frustrated and bewildered, as they were not provided with earlier warnings about the potential shutdown.
The TEA intervention included appointing two conservators to oversee the closure of Bexar County Academy and manage the potential sale of the school’s remaining property. The school had received an “F” rating from the TEA for the 2022–2023 academic year, indicating significant concerns about its academic performance and long-term viability. Parents indicated that they would have preferred more timely notification to explore alternative educational options for their children.
Furthermore, enrollment for Bexar County Academy remained open even until the announcement of its closure, adding to the confusion for parents seeking clarity in the week leading up to the new school year. The TEA acknowledged that the non-standard notification process surrounding the closure had generated considerable disruption for affected families as they scramble to find new schools.
In response to the situation, the families of the students impacted by these closures have been provided with necessary contact numbers to access their student records and support in seeking alternative educational institutions.
Background Context
The issues facing these charter schools underscore broader challenges within the Texas charter school system, particularly around enrollment numbers and funding. The TEA’s oversight reflects ongoing efforts to ensure educational quality and accountability among public charter schools. As closures become more common, concerns about the impact on students, families, and the community at large continue to grow.
Key Features of School Closures in San Antonio
| Feature | The Henry Ford Academy | Bexar County Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Closure Date | August 31 | August 6 |
| Years in Operation | 15 | Not specified |
| Reason for Closure | Low enrollment, reduced funding | Low enrollment, “F” rating |
| TEA Action | No TEA conservators appointed | Conservators appointed |
| Parent Notification Date | Prior to closure announcement | August 6, 2025 |
FAQ
What schools are closing in San Antonio?
The Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art and Design and Bexar County Academy are closing.
What are the reasons for these closures?
The closures are primarily due to low enrollment and reduced federal funding as determined by the Texas Education Agency.
When were parents notified about the closures?
Parents of Bexar County Academy were notified on August 6, just five days before the school year was set to begin.
What support is available for affected students?
Students and their families have been provided with contact information to access student records and assistance in finding alternative schools.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: San Antonio Charter School Announces Closure
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Express News: San Antonio Charter School Closure
- Google Search: San Antonio charter school closure
- KENS5: Bexar County Academy Charter School Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- Fox San Antonio: Charter School Faces Closure
- Google News: San Antonio education
- MSN: San Antonio Charter School Closure
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.
