Guide to Enrolling in Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation for 2022–23

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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 innovation zones

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.

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 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

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 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

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.

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

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—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:

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

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