We are proud to publish this guest post by Mario Duran, Ph.D., Head of School of Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys in Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation, a partnership school with the Texas Council for International Studies, about their unique learning model combining International Baccalaureate and single-sex education.
I currently have the privilege of serving as the Principal/Head of School at Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys (RCLS) in Edgewood ISD. Transitioning to an elementary/middle school setting from previous high school experiences had me wondering how much of a mindset shift I would have to face. I am glad to say that the transition has reignited my educational passion. My experiences at RCLS so far have been filled with joy and excitement as I finish off my first year. One of the great joys at RCLS is the potential at every corner of the school. From pedagogy to beautification efforts, Roy Cisneros has the potential to be a school that changes students and communities’ lives.
Our vision is simple but powerful: We are empowering and nurturing confident leaders that are prepared to interact with a diverse global community; approaching the world with voice, choice, and ownership.
International Baccalaureate at Roy Cisneros
Roy Cisneros is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School. This is what sets us apart from any other school in Bexar County and Texas. In essence, as our approval process progresses from candidate status to official accreditation, we will become the sole IB school in Texas catering exclusively to boys from kindergarten through eighth grade. This is a tremendous accomplishment with great responsibilities. When we refer to IB, we’re talking about a learner experience that encourages both students and teachers to adopt a global perspective as they engage in the learning process. We encourage our students to extend their learning by questioning the significance of what they’re being taught.
RCLS students filter their learning experiences through the IB learner profile: inquirer, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. These attributes are committed to develop in our students a sense of collective ownership of this planet and a sense of genuine collaboration.
Collaboration and Leadership
For this type of instructional method to be sustainable, our teachers understand and value the power of collaboration and growth. At RCLS, we value the innovative spirit of our teachers and depend on their efforts to make RCLS a leader in education. Our approach to innovation is a part of our identity. We question everything. We focus on finding sustainable, efficient solutions to school improvement. We don’t shy away from challenges, rather we understand that challenges are the temporary steps that will take us to our goal of being a school focused on equity and progress. At the same time, we don’t neglect our state requirements. We plan and implement innovative methods of ensuring students meet their state standards. For example, we foster engaging curiosity through enjoyable activities that encourage students to daily journal writing and sharpen their math abilities. We want students to be a part of a positive learning community where they feel a part of something bigger than just a school, but rather a part of a community that focuses on progress and innovation.
Roy Cisneros is a campus dedicated to building confident leaders that serve. Our student leaders focus on serving their immediate and surrounding communities by finding areas of need. We provide students opportunities to serve as lunch monitors, attendance assistants, and greeters at a nearby early childhood center. Our goal at RCLS is to equip students with a sense of urgency when it comes to serving others. This service attitude should be genuine and not expect praise in return. It should be a behavior that truly comes from the heart. This is what makes RCLS a place to be both as a student and a staff member. We are a Mustang community that prepares students towards academic excellence with a servant-leader spirit.
Creativity and Student Growth
For all elementary and middle school parents looking for a place for your son, make certain that you research potential campuses in search of what is best for your student. Ask about their instructional approach and how it is focused on student growth. Note what procedures are in place to ensure the campus instructional goals aligned with the school’s mission and vision. In addition, ask about the school’s approach to discipline and the plan to include student choice and voice in the school improvement.
The IB framework is like a passport to a world of knowledge and skills for your child. It’s not just about memorizing facts; it’s about learning how to learn. In IB, scholars are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and think critically about the world around them. This means your child won’t just study subjects—they’ll develop a deep understanding of them and learn how to apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations. Plus, IB teaches important life skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are invaluable no matter what path your child chooses in the future.
Student Voice and Global Citizenship
At Roy Cisneros we grant students voice and choice as a pillar of what makes our identity. We want students to feel confident that they can share their concerns respectfully, always aimed at school improvement. Students are not dismissed for challenging the system in a respectful way, so long as it is focused on school improvement and geared toward innovation.
Another great aspect about the IB program is its focus on global citizenship. In today’s interconnected world, it’s more important than ever for children to understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives. IB helps students develop an awareness of global issues and teaches them to be open-minded and respectful of others. By fostering an appreciation for diversity and encouraging students to become active, compassionate members of their communities. IB prepares your child to thrive in an increasingly diverse and complex world.
Choosing a School
We welcome you to visit our campus to get a feel for what the “building” has to say. You can learn a lot from walking around the campus and seeing the halls and the learning spaces. Here at Roy Cisneros, visitors will find an array of student artifacts that speak about what they have been learning year long. It showcases their challenges and expectations for what learning means to the IB student. You will also see our school motto that serves as a reminder of staff collaboration where our focus was identity and purpose for all RCLS students.
School choice provides families the freedom to choose the educational path that best addresses the needs of their children. That’s the exciting idea behind school choice. Flexibility can provide better academic outcomes since the students will be in environments that focus on their choice of interests. Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys will provide a unique and powerful education for young men; we hope you choose us!
Charter Moms Chats
Watch Mario Duran, Ph.D., Head of School at Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys in Edgewood ISD, and D’Les Gonzales, Executive Director of Operations at the Texas Council for International Studies, speak with Inga Cotton on Charter Moms Chats on April 24, 2024 at 4:00 PM Central live on Facebook and YouTube.
Mario Duran, Ph.D., is the Head of School at Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys in Edgewood ISD. Dr. Duran was raised on the Westside of San Antonio where he attended and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School. He earned his Bachelor of History, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Duran brings ten years of leadership experience serving as assistant principal/Academic Dean and a total of seventeen years in education. His passion for the success of all students is evident and his success in innovative campus programs will lead Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys to new heights.
D’Les Gonzales, M.Ed., is the Executive Director of Operations at the Texas Council for International Studies. She holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a M. Ed. from Concordia University of Texas. She is an experienced teacher and administrator. Her leadership positions include campus Principal and district Instructional Leadership Senior Advisor to the Assistant Superintendent for IB
Read More About Unique Learning Models and Partnership Schools
- “Guide to International Baccalaureate in SAISD Choice Schools,” Matt Weber, San Antonio Charter Moms, January 18, 2024
- “Guide to Enrolling in Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation for 2024–25,” San Antonio Charter Moms, December 14, 2023
- “Teacher Tales: Jefferson High School International Baccalaureate World School in San Antonio ISD,” Ralf Halderman and Chris Stanley, San Antonio Charter Moms, November 18, 2020
