East Central ISD offers Schools of Choice with unique programs and opportunities for educating students. Starting October 18, 2023, East Central ISD Schools of Choice began accepting applications for enrollment for the 2024–25 school year. We have put together a guide to help you learn more about the specialty programs in East Central ISD and take steps to enroll your child for the coming school year.
About East Central ISD
East Central ISD serves around 10,000 students on the Southside of San Antonio, as well as eastern Bexar County. According to their statement of purpose, the EC Way, the district aims to cultivate literate problem-solvers who are prepared to thrive in an interconnected world with a dynamic economy.
East Central ISD Schools of Choice
Schools of Choice at East Central ISD are meant to provide unique learning environments tailored to various instructional models. ECISD offers six unique programs covering pre-K through 12th grade. With these schools of choice, families are able to shop around for specialty program options and find the best fit school for their child.
East Central ISD believes that all families should be empowered to take ownership of their student’s education and have the flexibility to choose the learning environment that best suits the student. Schools of choice provide autonomy for parents and students to pursue pathways aligned to each student’s postsecondary goals from elementary through graduation.
On its most recent district report card, East Central ISD was designated as not rated. The list below includes links to school report cards for each program or campus.
Dual Language Academies
East Central ISD hosts dual language programs at two elementary campuses, Salado and Oak Crest. The goal of dual language immersion is for students to become proficient in two languages, English and Spanish. Under this model, teachers provide ongoing instruction in literacy and content in both languages. For the duration of the program, teachers will present at least half of the instruction in Spanish.
Salado Dual Language Immersion Academy
Students at Highland Forest Elementary and Pecan Valley Elementary, as well as some students from Sinclair Elementary, can receive dual language instruction at Salado Elementary.
Salado Dual Language Immersion Academy: 3602 S. W.W. White Rd., San Antonio, TX 78222 (map); 210-648-3310; grades PK–5; Salado Elementary school report card—rated C
Oak Crest Dual Language Immersion Academy
Students at Harmony Elementary and Tradition Elementary, as well as some students from Sinclair Elementary, can receive dual language instruction at Oak Crest Elementary.
Oak Crest Dual Language Immersion Academy: 7806 New Sulphur Springs, San Antonio, TX 78263 (map); 210-634-6300; grades PK–5; Oak Crest Elementary school report card—rated B
STEM and Project-Based Learning
The learning model at the Leadership Academy at Salado offers project-based learning, incorporating technology, service learning, career exploration, and leadership development.
Salado Leadership Academy: 3602 S. W.W. White Rd., San Antonio, TX 78222 (map); 210-648-3310; grades K–5; Salado Elementary school report card—rated C
Students at Pecan Valley STEM Academy participate in the engineering design process, allowing them to learn across content areas and apply their learning in a variety of ways.
Pecan Valley STEM Academy: 3966 E. Southcross Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78222 (map); 210-634-6000; grades PK–5; Pecan Valley Elementary School report card—rated C
Career Exploration and College Credit
Students at CAST Lead choose from among three career pathways: retail management, hospitality, and tourism. They will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders in these areas through internships and mentoring. Project-based learning is offered in all classes, where students engage in hands-on learning and do activities that are relevant and personalized to their needs. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Learn more CAST Lead in our enrollment guide to CAST Schools.
CAST Lead High School: 7284 FM 1628, San Antonio, TX 78263 (map); 210-634-7301; grades 8–12; school report card—rated B
P-TECH at East Central High School
The East Central High School P-TECH program is focused on health and science with a concentration in biology. P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit, industry certificates, and job training while still enrolled in high school.
East Central High School Health Science P-TECH: 7173 FM 1628, San Antonio, TX 78263 (map); 210-634-7100; grades 9–12; East Central High School report card—rated C
Download the free San Antonio Charter Schools app for an interactive map that includes these campuses and many more. You can also find campus information about magnet and choice schools in ECISD (and other districts) on our page Guide to Charter Schools in San Antonio.
East Central ISD Enrollment at Schools of Choice
To register their students at ECISD Schools of Choice, families can apply online. East Central ISD began accepting applications for enrollment at magnet programs for the 2024–25 school year on October 18, 2023. Priority enrollment continues through January 15, 2024. Families and students may continue to apply to Schools of Choice as long as seats are available. Find more information about the enrollment timeline in the FAQ.
East Central ISD offers information sessions and events for families who are interested in learning more about Choice Schools. We also recommend following these ECISD social media accounts:
- East Central ISD on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn
- Salado Elementary School on X (Twitter)
- Oak Crest Elementary on X (Twitter)
- Pecan Valley Elementary on Facebook and X (Twitter)
- East Central High School on Facebook and X (Twitter)
- CAST Lead on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)
- CAST Schools on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn
In addition, please join the San Antonio Charter Moms discussion group on Facebook to post questions and search for previous discussions about enrollment at ECISD Schools of Choice.
Student Experience at East Central ISD Schools of Choice
Students who enroll at CAST Lead High School or P-Tech at East Central High School can participate in the full range of sports and extracurricular activities at East Central High School.
All students who are residents of East Central ISD receive free transportation to and from any School of Choice in East Central ISD.
Organizations that Lift Up East Central ISD
The East Central School Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the purpose of expanding educational opportunities in East Central ISD.
Charter Moms Chats
Watch Amanda Holman, Ed.D., Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness at East Central ISD, speak with Inga Cotton on Charter Moms Chats on October 25, 2023 at 4:00 PM Central live on Facebook and YouTube.
Amanda Holman, Ed.D., is the Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness at East Central ISD.
Read More About East Central ISD Schools of Choice
- “As other districts close schools, East Central and Southwest ISDs confront growth, build new ones,” Melissa Manno, San Antonio Express-News, October 9, 2023
- “Guide to Enrolling in CAST Schools and Advanced Learning Academy for 2024–25,” San Antonio Charter Moms, October 5, 2023
- “At one East Central ISD school, ‘blended learning’ puts students in control of their education,” Isaac Windes, San Antonio Report, July 13, 2023
- “Why Mentorship Matters to San Antonio Companies and the CAST Schools Network,” Katie Chain, San Antonio Charter Moms, February 25, 2021
- “Charter Moms Chats — CAST Schools, With Jeanne Russell and Student Panel,” YouTube, November 19, 2020
- “These Three Principals Are Opening New Schools This Fall. If That Sounds Challenging, You’re Right,” Bekah McNeel, 74 Million, August 12, 2020
- “Newest CAST network high school coming to San Antonio’s East Central ISD,” Krista Torralva, San Antonio Express-News, May 28, 2019
- “East Central ISD’s CAST School To Focus on Leadership in Tourism, Hospitality Industries,” Emily Donaldson, San Antonio Report, May 16, 2019
