
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. Currently, Edgewood ISD serves nearly 10,000 students at over 20 public schools and programs.
Superintendent Eduardo Hernandez joined Edgewood ISD in 2018 and has made a commitment to holding 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. This guide focuses on the choice schools in the district.

Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation
At Edgewood ISD, Schools of Innovation are grouped into 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. In 2019, in the most recent accountability ratings, 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.

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 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.
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 F in 2019
Wrenn Middle School
Wrenn Middle School serves grades 6–8 with Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Sixth grade students can participate in piano instruction.
Wrenn Middle School: 627 S. Acme Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237 (map); 210-898-4140; grades 6–8; school report card—rated F in 2019

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 pursuing International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate schools for the 2021–22 school year.
Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls
Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls is a single-gendered school for girls. It serves grades K–4 and 6 in 2022–23, 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–3 and 6 in 2022–23, expanding to K–8 for girls; school report card—rated D in 2019
Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys
Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys is a single-gendered school for boys in grades K–3 and 6 in 2022–23, with plans to grow into a K–8, all-boys campus. (The campus will serve girls in grades 4–5 in 2022–23.) 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–3 and 6 in 2022–23, expanding to K–8 for boys; school report card—rated C in 2019

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.
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 in 2019
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–1 in 2022–23, 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 F in 2019

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—not rated
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 F in 2019
Winston Intermediate School of Excellence
Winston Intermediate School of Excellence serves grades 3–5. The school is a partnership with Texas A&M University—San Antonio and follows a literacy-based design model. Students participate in a dual language program (one-way) with a focus on math and science experiential activities, as well as coding.
Winston Intermediate School of Excellence: 2525 S. Gen. McMullen Dr., San Antonio, TX 78226 (map); 210-898-4130; serves grades 3–5; school report card—rated F in 2019
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—rated F in 2019
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—rated C in 2019
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: 1922 S. Gen. McMullen Dr., San Antonio, TX 78226 (map); 210-898-4078; serves grades 9–12; no school report card available
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 learn more about Schools of Innovation at in-person events and virtual events. To find out about events, families can contact the schools, and follow on social media.
We recommend following these Edgewood ISD social media accounts:
- Edgewood ISD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn
- Superintendent of Schools Eduardo Hernandez on Instagram and Twitter
- Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation on Facebook and Twitter
- Burleson School for Innovation and Education on Facebook and Twitter
- Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys on Facebook and Twitter
- Gus Garcia University School on Facebook and Twitter
- Gardendale Early Learning Program on Facebook and Twitter
- John F. Kennedy High School on Facebook and Twitter
- Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls on Facebook and Twitter
- Perales STEAM Elementary on Facebook and Twitter
- Stafford Elementary on Facebook and Twitter
- Winston Intermediate School of Excellence on Facebook and Twitter
- Wrenn Middle School on Facebook and Twitter
- Learn4Life Edgewood on Facebook and Twitter
- Learn4Life on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn
- Institute for School and Community Partnership at Texas A&M University—San Antonio on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
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; Ida Nuñez, Principal at Roy Cisneros Elementary Leadership School for Boys; and Dr. Patricia Ortiz, Principal at Roosevelt Dual Language Academy/Roosevelt Elementary, speak with Inga Cotton on Charter Moms Chats on May 5, 2022 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-five years; they have three children—Albert, Austin, and Mackenzie—and two grandchildren, Lorenzo and Scarlett.
Ida Nuñez is the Principal at Roy Cisneros Elementary Leadership School for Boys in Edgewood ISD. She is a native Texan from Corpus Christi who fell in love with San Antonio when she left Corpus Christi to attend St. Mary’s University. As a first-generation graduate, Mrs. Nuñez believes that all scholars have potential and promises to treat every child as her own. She believes that developing a strong relationship with scholars is the key to fostering the best, all around educational experience. Mrs. Nuñez brings 13 years of experience in education, including serving six years as an Assistant Principal in North East ISD, where she led, supported, and launched a strong Dual Language Program, improved the academic performance of the campus and led several campus clubs and initiatives. Mrs. Nuñez also served NEISD as a district trainer for T-TESS and Leader in Me. Before going into administration, Mrs. Nuñez was a Pre-Kinder and Kinder classroom teacher in San Antonio ISD. Mrs. Nuñez graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi in 2006 and a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in 2008. She later earned a second master’s degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University in Austin in 2013. Mrs. Nuñez is married and has a teenage daughter named Allie. Mrs. Nuñez is eager to partner with scholars, staff, parents and community partners to provide scholars with a high-quality and engaging educational experience.
Patricia Abilez Ortiz, Ph.D. is the Principal at Roosevelt Dual Language Academy/Roosevelt Elementary School. Dr. Ortiz is a third-generation Mexican American and first-generation college student. She is originally from California and moved to San Antonio over 27 years ago, making this her new home where she raised two sons. After graduating from Pomona College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Chicano Studies, Dr. Ortiz started her career as a college administrator at the Claremont Colleges where she was an Assistant Director of Admissions and Associate Dean of Students. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis in higher education, later to return for her teaching certification at Claremont University. She became a bilingual teacher and taught for five years, earning tenure in Pomona Unified School District. In 1994, she moved to San Antonio and began working as a fifth grade bilingual teacher before becoming a Reading Trainer/Consultant for Success for All of Johns Hopkins University. After three years of training throughout the country, she returned to San Antonio ISD to serve as a Curriculum Instructional Coordinator, an Assistant Principal, and a Principal. Overall, she has over 30 years of experience in pre-K through college, 25 years in public school, including 10 years on the West Side of San Antonio. Her mission is to combine her administrative experience in combination with her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio to continue advancing student achievement toward college readiness beginning in Kindergarten. She is proud to serve Edgewood ISD while developing a culture of success with a collaborative team of teachers and staff at Roosevelt Dual Language Academy/Roosevelt Elementary School.
Read More About Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation
- “How Edgewood ISD, one of the poorest districts in the U.S., has embraced a new vision,” Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, May 5, 2022
- “Dropping in on San Antonio, U.S. education secretary visits Edgewood ISD middle school,” Claire Bryan, San Antonio Express-News, October 7, 2021
- “Education Secretary Cardona praises ‘college-ready’ mindset of Edgewood/A&M-San Antonio lab school,” Camille Phillips, Texas Public Radio, October 7, 2021
- “US Education Secretary Cardona visits Edgewood ISD to tout Build Back Better bill,” Brooke Crum, San Antonio Report, October 7, 2021
- “Local school official accused of selling district iPads out of his truck,” Jaie Avila, News 4 San Antonio, May 13, 2021
- “New High School for At-risk Students Coming to San Antonio,” Learn4Life, May 6, 2021
- “Edgewood ISD partners with A&M San Antonio to create ‘STEAM Zone,’” Andres Picon, San Antonio Express-News, February 25, 2021
- “Edgewood ISD to launch new high school, boys and girls K-8 programs,” Andres Picon, San Antonio Express-News, January 26, 2021
- “Edgewood ISD wants thousands of failing high school students back on campus in January,” Brooke Crum, San Antonio Report, December 17, 2020
- “Edgewood ISD board election is first since transition from state control,” Andres Picon, San Antonio Express-News, October 23, 2020
- “‘It’s sunshine’ at San Antonio’s Edgewood ISD as adults with disabilities return to school,” Andres Picon, San Antonio Express-News, September 21, 2020
- “Inspiring Leader Spotlight: Eduardo Hernández,” Texas Association of School Administrators, September 18, 2020
- “Edgewood ISD v. Kirby,” Teresa Palomo Acosta, Texas State Historical Association, August 6, 2020
- “Rodriguez v. San Antonio ISD,” Cynthia E. Orozco, Texas State Historical Association, August 4, 2020
- “San Antonio’s Edgewood ISD finishes transition back to fully elected board,” Krista Torralva, San Antonio Express-News, May 26, 2020
- “Edgewood ISD Back in Hands of Elected Board for First Time in 4 Years,” Emily Donaldson, San Antonio Report, May 26, 2020
- “Edgewood ISD Teachers Must Reapply for Positions at Low-Performing Schools,” Emily Donaldson, San Antonio Report, January 24, 2020
- “Edgewood ISD pursues school-management deals with A&M-San Antonio,” Krista Torralva, San Antonio Express-News, January 22, 2020
- “More than a year into job, Edgewood ISD superintendent puts priority on access,” Krista Torralva, San Antonio Express-News, November 29, 2019
- “Edgewood High School Walkouts of ‘68,” Isa Fernández, La Prensa Texas, August 29, 2019
- “Edgewood Unveils Plan To Divide District Into 5 ‘Innovation Zones,’” Camille Phillips, Texas Public Radio, April 12, 2019
- “Pre-K 4 SA, Edgewood Partnership May Be Temporary,” Camille Phillips, Texas Public Radio, February 21, 2019
- “Texas has failed to close educational gaps for kids of color. In Edgewood ISD, the fallout has lasted generations,” Aliyya Swaby and Alexa Ura, Texas Tribune, December 18, 2018
- “Edgewood ISD approves new superintendent hire,” Krista Torralva, San Antonio Express-News, June 19, 2018
- “How San Antonio Left Edgewood to Fend for Itself,” Echoes (Folo Media), November 2017 (part 3)
- “How San Antonio Segregated Its Schools,” Matt Worthington, Echoes (Folo Media), November 2017 (part 2)
- “Why Americans Have No Right to an Education,” Matt Worthington, Echoes (Folo Media), November 2017 (part 1)
- “History of Edgewood schools,” Paula Allen, San Antonio Express-News, January 23, 2011