Charter Moms Chats

Oakenshield, Baggins, Reepicheep, and Pevensies—these are the four Houses at Great Hearts Western Hills. Trinette Keffer, Headmaster at Great Hearts Western Hills, shares her research about how the school's house system is helping students to find a sense of belonging, form closer bonds with faculty members, and find the motivation to be their best selves—in the classroom and on the field.

What are you planning to do with your teens this summer? Lynique Charles, Head of School at Fusion Academy San Antonio, joins us to share tips about giving teens extra support this summer, from taking a break, to getting ahead with learning—and bolstering executive functioning skills.

Alamo Arts Academy offers students the opportunity to study Digital Film Production, Digital Photography, Audio Engineering, and Graphic Design. Buddy Calvo, Creative Director for Machina Cinema Industrial, and Sarah Patterson, co-founder of Pendant, join us to discuss how Alamo Arts Academy offers TEKS-aligned curriculum and certified teachers to partner with schools to prepare students for caree...

Imagine gathering your children and a few friends in a shared space, for rigorous education using a proven classical curriculum. This is the vision for Great Hearts Microschools: a community of families and students, connected with a common purpose. Andrew Shahan, Director of Microschools at Great Hearts Nova, joins us to describe how Great Hearts Microschools are building on the foundation of the...

Parents often take school tours when they are searching for schools that will be the right fit for their children. What qualities should they be looking for? Oscar Ortiz Duarte, author and school leader, identifies three signs of a good school culture. He offers tips for making the most of school tours and suggests questions that parents can ask to get past the first impression and into the meanin...

Founders Classical Academy Virtual offers a classical education curriculum, with a focus on civics and U.S. History, in a full-time online school. Shannon M. Nason, Ph. D., Regional Director for Founders Classical Academies, and Founders Classical Academy Virtual teachers Jennifer Moore and Linnea Johnstone, join us to discuss how Founders Classical Academy Virtual uses tried-and-true methods to o...

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School is a community of parents, staff, and children working together to foster Christ-like qualities in all they pursue. Jennifer Semanko, Pre-K Lead Teacher at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School, joins us to share about how she joined the school community at Shepherd, what are her favorite traditions, and how families can learn more about the school.

Great Hearts Online—Texas offers classical education as a free, public, full-time online school. Emilie Sullivan, Interim Headmaster at Great Hearts Online—Texas, joins us to share with students and families what they can expect from a Great Hearts education in a virtual setting, how the school has evolved since its launch in January 2021, and how families can enroll for the 2022-23 school year.

The Alamo Battalion is the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit here in San Antonio. The Alamo Battalion offers leadership development for teens who are seeking opportunities to challenge themselves and grow. LT Jason Heinen, USN and PO1 Seth Allen, USNSCC join us to talk about the activities of the Alamo Battalion and the benefits of joining the Sea Cadets.

Brooks Academies of Texas is a network of charter schools in San Antonio that offer a family-oriented culture. All of the schools share a vision of lifting students up to be global learners, and each Brooks campus has a unique curriculum focus. Join us for a discussion with a panel of Brooks Academy school leaders: Bonnie Salas, Principal at Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering; Barry LeMaitr...

Incarnate Word High School offers the flexibility of in-person and online schooling, while continuing to offer a rigorous academic program with a range of class offerings and a modular schedule. Brianna Byars joins us to share her experience as a student—she is a sophomore in her second semester—and her perspective as a young person (and Class Historian) during these challenging times.

The David Molak Kindness Scholarship recognizes kindness, generosity, and compassion in seniors at Bexar County public schools, including independent school districts and charter schools. Maurine Molak and her family founded the David's Legacy Foundation in honor of their late son and brother, David Molak; she joins us to discuss the qualities honored by the scholarship and how the foundation purs...

Celebrate Dyslexia Schools is a proposed charter school that will serve dyslexic students in grades 4-8 on the Southwest Side of San Antonio and stand as a center of excellence in the community. Jasmin Dean, board chair of Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, and Flor Gutierrez, advisory board member, join us to discuss the under-identification of dyslexic students in our region, share the design elements...

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School, located in the Medical Center area of San Antonio, offers a Christian education with competitive academics and a sense of community among teachers, students, and parents. Erin Stinson, mother of students in second, sixth, and eighth grades at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School, joins us to share about how she found a school she loves, what are her favorite...

Pre-K 4 SA is a city-funded initiative to provide high-quality, full-day prekindergarten to thousands of four-year-old children in San Antonio. They are currently enrolling students for the 2022-23 school year. Dr. Sarah Baray, CEO of Pre-K 4 SA, joins us to talk about how early childhood education is driving economic and workforce development in San Antonio, and to share new developments with the...

Parents, when you visit a charter school to see if it might be the right fit for your children, what should you look for? What are the signs that a school is living up to its mission and vision? Join Paul Phillips, Math Interventionist at Great Hearts Live Oak, for a discussion about his career path to education and what he has learned about school culture and community engagement in a classical e...

The SAT is going digital! What does that mean for students who are planning their college application strategy? Lara Kilgore, founder and CEO of Beyond Education, joins us to discuss changes such as adaptive testing, the shorter test length, when the changes will take effect, and how to prepare for the digital SAT.

Great Hearts Texas offers students the opportunity to experience classical education at a tuition-free, public charter school. In August 2022, Great Hearts Invictus will open on the Northwest Side of San Antonio. Headmaster Matthew Vlahovich joins us to discuss the benefits of classical education, share details about Great Hearts Invictus, and explain how families can learn more and apply for enro...

KIPP Forward is a program designed to ensure that all students at KIPP Texas Public Schools can see a path to post-graduate success, no matter the career or collegiate path they choose. Ruben Rodriguez, Director of KIPP Forward at KIPP Texas—San Antonio Public Schools, joins us to share how KIPP Forward supports students, alumni, and families, while providing extra care during the pandemic.

Essence Prep is a new charter school that will open on the Eastside of San Antonio in August 2022 with a goal of building agency in young people. Jennipha "Jae" Ricks, Chief Learning Officer and Principal of Essence Prep, joins us to describe the new school's learning model, partnerships, and emerging culture, and to invite families to enroll their students as founding scholars at Essence Prep.

"What is classical education?" Oscar Ortiz Duarte, MLA, joins us to share two basic principles, and encourages parents to reimagine education that nourishes the mind. Look back at Part I (from January 10, 2022), and look forward to future discussions with Mr. Ortiz about his forthcoming book, "The Way to Galleon: The Definitive Manual on Classical School Culture."

Catholic schools have a long tradition of high quality education, as well as faith and character formation. In recognition of Catholic Schools Week, January 30 to February 5, 2022, we are sharing an updated enrollment guide to Catholic schools in San Antonio. Join us for a conversation with Catholic school parents about the benefits of Catholic education for themselves and their children: Laura Ma...

The Foundation School of Autism is an open enrollment charter school that serves students from ages 3 to 7 who are on the autism spectrum. They receive expert care, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis, from teachers and specialists who help them build communication skills and prepare for learning in a general education setting. Peggy Derby, Campus Director...

Bonnie Salas is the Principal at Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering, and she is also the parent of a fourth grade student. Ms. Salas joins us to share how BASE supports her son academically and socially, and to describe the activities and traditions and create a family spirit at Brooks.

Prelude Prep Public School is a new charter school on the Southside of San Antonio that gives students a foundation to succeed in school, live purposeful lives, and become leaders in their communities. Lauren Lewis, Founder and Superintendent, and Laura Rangel, Head of School, join us to share their vision for Prelude Prep and describe their offerings for students.