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Guide to Enrolling in Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation for 2024–25

December 14, 2023

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eisd schools of innovation classroom Azalea Hedley stafford elementary

Edgewood ISD offers families a diverse portfolio of school choice options. Across five Innovation Zones, students can choose programs such as STEAM, leadership, single gender, public service, dual language, P-TECH, early college high school, fine arts, and more. Edgewood Independent School District is an open-boundary school district, so all students living in the San Antonio area can apply to a School of Innovation, and enrollment is ongoing. We have put together a guide to help you learn more about Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation and take steps to enroll your child for the next school year.

About Edgewood ISD

Edgewood ISD was founded in 1950 on the West Side of San Antonio, Texas. Historically, the area has had a predominantly Hispanic population and fewer economic resources to support a school finance system that is largely based on the property tax rate. A 1968 student walkout and litigation seeking equitable school funding have become landmarks in civil rights history.

Superintendent Eduardo Hernandez joined Edgewood ISD in 2018 and has worked hard to be accessible to the community through listening sessions—pláticas—with parents, students, and community members. Dr. Hernandez is also dedicated to opening innovative schools in Edgewood ISD and welcoming students from across the San Antonio metro area.

The number of students enrolled at Edgewood ISD has declined over the past few years due to demographic changes in the district, as well as students enrolling at charter schools. In 2023, the district engaged in a process, called Rethink. Redesign., to decide how to adapt to a smaller student population. On November 14, 2023, the board voted to close two schools, Wrenn Middle School and Winston Intermediate School of Excellence. Looking ahead to the 2024–25 school year, Edgewood ISD will serve nearly 8,000 students at around 20 public schools and programs.

Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation

At Edgewood ISD, Schools of Innovation are grouped into five Innovation Zones that focus on a set of learning models. Within each zone, there are feeder patterns and campuses that serve different age groups, from early childhood to elementary, middle, and high schools. The Innovation Zones include fine arts, leadership, public service, STEAM, and early childhood.

These programs are open enrollment, which means that parents and students are encouraged to choose which school best meets their needs and interests. Edgewood ISD earned a C rating on their district report card. The list below includes links to each program’s or campus’s school report cards.

edgewood isd innovation fine arts zone

Fine Arts Zone

Students in the Fine Arts Innovation Zone in Edgewood ISD have the opportunity to work in audio/visual production, piano, graphic design, theater, ceramics, painting, and more.

Stafford Visual and Performing Arts Elementary

Stafford Visual and Performing Arts Elementary serves grades K–5 with a dual language program (one-way) and cross-curricular fine arts activities. The school also offers project-based learning, with 1–2 campus-wide fine arts productions each school year. The school is a partnership with Friends of P-TECH, an organization supporting the statewide Building a Talent Strong Texas initiative, pursuing the goal that by the year 2030, 60 percent of all Texas adults ages 25–64 will have a certificate, degree, or postsecondary credential.

Stafford Visual and Performing Arts Elementary: 415 SW 36th St., San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4250; grades K–5; school report card—rated C

Edgewood Fine Arts Academy

Edgewood Fine Arts Academy serves grades 9–12 with a focus on arts, theatre, music, carpentry, cosmetology, engineering, and welding. Students can advance their education by enrolling in Career and Technical Education (CTE), Dual Credit, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Edgewood Fine Arts Academy: 607 SW 34th St., San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4200; grades 9–12; school report card—rated C

edgewood isd innovation leadership zone

Leadership Zone

In the Leadership Innovation Zone, students develop good leadership habits such as integrity, communication, courage, self-awareness, empathy, and respect. Both campuses are International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate schools.

Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls

Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls is a single-gendered school for girls. It serves grades K–7 in 2023–24, with plans to grow into a K–8, all-girls campus. The school is a partnership with the Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS), which brings expertise in implementing International Baccalaureate programs. Students participate in a two-way dual language program and experience a curriculum that will help students gain a competitive edge for their future.

Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls: 115 Las Palmas, San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4210; grades K–7 in 2023–24, expanding to K–8 for girls; school report card—not rated

Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys

Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys is a single-gendered school for boys in grades K–4 and 6–7 in 2023–24, with plans to grow into a K–8, all-boys campus. (The campus serves girls in grade 5 in 2023–24.) The school is a partnership with the Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS), which brings expertise in implementing International Baccalaureate programs. Students participate in a two-way dual language program, with a curriculum that will help students gain a competitive edge for their future.

Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys: 3011 Ruiz St., San Antonio, TX 78228 (map);  210-898-4170; grades K–4 and 6–7 in 2023–24, expanding to K–8 for boys; school report card—rated C

edgewood isd innovation public service zone

Public Service Zone

Students in the Public Service Innovation Zone in Edgewood ISD have the opportunity to develop their skills in health services, culinary arts, and more.

Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary

Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary serves students in grades PK–5. This campus offers a dual language program. Students can participate in activities like chess club, robotics club, Bluebonnet book club, and Random Acts of Kindness club.

Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary: 6515 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78227 (map); 210-898-4240; grades PK–5; school report card—rated B

Henry B. Gonzalez Elementary

Henry B. Gonzalez Elementary serves students in grades PK–5. This campus offers a dual language program. Students can participate in clubs like mariachi, art club, music club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Bluebonnet Book Club.

Henry B. Gonzalez Elementary: 2803 Castroville Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4230; grades PK–5; school report card—rated C

Roosevelt Dual Language Academy

Roosevelt Elementary serves students in grades K–5. This campus offers an Advanced Dual Language Program: two-way in grades K–2 in 2023–24, with a slow-grow model each subsequent year. Students have the opportunity to participate in culinary arts while experiencing social justice, strong culture, and community-based learning.

Roosevelt Elementary/Roosevelt Dual Language Academy: 3823 Fortuna, San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4180; grades K–5; school report card—rated C

Loma Park Elementary

Loma Park Elementary serves students in grades PK3–5, including a Head Start program for three- and four-year-old students. This campus offers a dual language program, as well as art club, chess club, robotics club.

Loma Park Elementary: 400 Aurora Ave., San Antonio, TX 78228 (map); 210-898-4220; grades PK3–5; school report card—rated C

Gus Garcia University School

Gus Garcia University School serves students in grades 6–8. The school is a partnership with Texas A&M University—San Antonio with a goal of transforming students through innovative practices, research, and policy. Students participate in a two-way dual language program and an Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) extended day program, with a focus on social-emotional learning.

Gus Garcia University School: 3306 Ruiz St., San Antonio, TX 78228 (map); 210-898-4160; grades 6–8; school report card—rated D

Memorial High School

Memorial High School serves students in grades 9–12. The school helps students advance their education through Early College High School (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) programs, as well as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The curriculum has a focus on culinary arts, business, hospitality, and health sciences.

Memorial High School: 1227 Memorial St., San Antonio, TX 78228 (map); 210-898-4110; grades 9–12; school report card—rated C

edgewood isd steam innovation zone

STEAM Zone

Students in the STEAM Innovation Zone in Edgewood ISD have the opportunity to develop their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

Gardendale Early Learning Program

The Gardendale Early Learning Program serves students in pre-K through second grade. The school is a partnership with Pre-K 4 SA. Students participate in a dual language program (one-way) with a focus on outdoor learning and HighScope curriculum.

Gardendale Early Learning Program: 1731 Dahlgreen Ave., San Antonio, TX 78237; (map); 210-898-4190; serves grades PK–2; school report card—rated C (paired with Memorial High School)

Perales STEAM Elementary

Perales STEAM Elementary serves students in pre-K through fifth grade. The school follows a project-based learning model, with a focus on STEAM-based curriculum and responsive classrooms. In pre-K, the school uses the HighScope curriculum. This campus also offers extended day.

Perales STEAM Elementary: 1507 Ceralvo St., San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4260; serves grades PK–5; school report card—rated B

Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation

Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation serves students in grades 6–8. The school is a partnership with Friends of P-TECH, an organization supporting the statewide 60×30 initiative, pursuing the goal that by the year 2030, 60 percent of all Texas adults ages 25–34 will have a certificate or degree. The school follows a project-based learning model, with a focus on engineering and computer science.

Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation: 1626 W. Thompson Pl., San Antonio, TX 78226 (map); 210-898-4120; serves grades 6–8; school report card—not rated

John F. Kennedy High School

John F. Kennedy High School serves students in grades 9–12. Kennedy is an Early College High School (ECHS), giving students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Students can participate in the Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) program and take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The curriculum has a focus on aviation and cybersecurity.

John F. Kennedy High School: 1922 S. Gen. McMullen Dr., San Antonio, TX 78226 (map); 210-898-4100; serves grades 9–12; school report card—not rated

Additional Schools of Innovation

Burleson School for Innovation and Education

The Burleson School for Innovation and Education serves students who are 18–22 years old, with a focus on special education, as well as career and college skills. The school is a partnership with Texas A&M University—San Antonio.

Burleson School for Innovation and Education: 534 Cordelia St., Bldg. 2, San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4061; serves ages 18–22; no school report card

Learn4Life Edgewood

Learn4Life serves existing Edgewood ISD students who are credit deficient or are at risk of dropping out. Enrollment is also open for all students in the community who would benefit from personalized, one-on-one instruction to be successful in meeting high school graduation requirements.

Learn4Life Edgewood: 1922 S. Gen. McMullen Dr., San Antonio, TX 78226 (map); 210-898-4078; serves grades 9–12; school report card—not rated

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 choice schools in Edgewood ISD (and other districts) on our page Guide to Charter Schools in San Antonio.

Enrollment and Registration Process

To register their students at Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation, families can apply online. Learn4Life Edgewood also has an online application. Families can also download the 2023–24 version of the official enrollment guide for Edgewood ISD; we’ll post the 2024–25 version when it’s available.

Families can learn more about Schools of Innovation at in-person events and virtual events. To find out about events, families can contact the campuses and follow them on social media. We recommend following these Edgewood ISD social media accounts:

In addition, please join the San Antonio Charter Moms discussion group on Facebook to post questions and search for previous discussions about Edgewood ISD.

Student Experience at Edgewood ISD Schools

Edgewood ISD has a rich and diverse culture. Here are some videos that spotlight the student experience.

🦷 Student Uses Tooth Fairy $$$ to Give Back

Meet Malina, student at Gus Garcia University School

Student Spotlight ✨ Michael Valdez – Volunteer Extraordinaire

✨ Meet a Kennedy High School Star Student ✨

Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation offer different education models to students in the district and across the San Antonio area. These learning models are creating opportunities for EISD students to prepare for careers and college degrees in fields that they will find engaging and that will support economic growth on San Antonio’s West Side.

Charter Moms Chats

Watch Theresa Salinas, Chief of Innovation at Edgewood ISD, Ana Cantú, Prinicipal of Winston Intermediate School of Excellence, and Claudia Sánchez, Principal of Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation, speak with Inga Cotton on Charter Moms Chats on February 14, 2023 at 4:00 PM Central live on Facebook and YouTube.

Theresa Salinas is the Chief of Innovation at Edgewood ISD. She is a native Texan who grew up on the Southside of San Antonio, graduating from McCollum High School in 1988. She went on to attend Palo Alto College and San Antonio College before transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio.  After starting a family, Ms. Salinas decided to enter the business sector while attending night school. Upon returning home to San Antonio in 1997 she went back to UTSA as a full-time student where she pursued a degree in teaching. Ms. Salinas became a first-generation college graduate in 1998 when she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Theresa began her teaching career in Edgewood I.S.D., where she served as a Reading Teacher at John F. Kennedy High School. Her first year of teaching changed her life. She fell in love with learning and leading. After serving as a classroom teacher for five years, she went on to serve as a Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal, Principal, Senior Director of Organizational Learning, Sr. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Chief of Schools and currently serves our district as the Chief of Innovation. Theresa’s mission is to empower students to find their passion and unleash their potential. Theresa has a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of the Incarnate Word and earned her principal certification from Texas A&M University—Kingsville.  Theresa has been married to her high school sweetheart, Albert, for thirty-six years; they have three children—Albert, Austin, and Mackenzie—and two grandchildren, Lorenzo and Scarlett.

Ana Cantú is the Prinicipal of Winston Intermediate School of Excellence. She grew up in Laredo and attended Texas A&M University—Kingsville, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Following a serendipitous meeting with doctoral students, she realized her talents and passion lay in working with children and language development. She joined the education department and earned a master’s degree in bilingual education. Her desire to continue developing her craft led her to complete a second master’s degree in educational leadership through Trinity University. 

Edgewood has been her home for 11 years, where she has served as a bilingual pre-kinder paraprofessional, bilingual 1st- and 2nd-grade teacher, administrative intern, and most recently as an assistant principal. During her tenure as assistant principal, she collaborated in the re-design and launch of an innovative elementary school. As a leader, she has been instrumental in creating effective school systems and structures that have increased positive student, staff, and community relationships. 

Mrs. Cantú believes a collaborative and cooperative school culture is the key to creating successful students and teachers. Now serving as principal, she looks forward to working with the Winston community to help promote a learning environment where students feel challenged and nurtured. 

Claudia Sánchez is the Principal of Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation. She has spent sixteen years proudly serving the Edgewood community. During her tenure in EISD, she has served in different roles at the campus and district level, including teaching both monolingual and bilingual students in the lower and upper grades at the elementary level, middle school instructional coach and middle school assistant principal. During the last three and half years, she served as the Principal at Winston Elementary and Winston Intermediate School of Excellence. 

Mrs. Sánchez was highly influenced by her parents, who instilled in her the value of education and a love of learning. She attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and Political Science. After working in the business world for more than ten years, she pursued her teaching certification and then enrolled at Lamar University where she earned a Master of Education in Administration with Principal Certification. 

An innovative leader who is focused on creating authentic and engaging experiences for all students, Mrs. Sánchez is eager to serve Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation (BSSOI) and its community. She has an academic focus, understands the district’s literacy framework, and encourages the implementation of STEAM activities to prepare scholars for success beyond their years at BSSOI. Ms. Sánchez is proud to support the unique learning opportunities for her Brentwood scholars. 

Read More About Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation