News Summary
The Gathering Place, a charter school in San Antonio, has announced its closure after the 2024-2025 academic year due to low academic performance and challenges with student enrollment. The Texas Education Agency denied its charter renewal, leading the board to conclude that appealing the decision would be costly with low chances of success. As families and staff prepare for this transition, support and resources will be provided to help students find new schools, and employees prepare for future job opportunities.
San Antonio Faces School Closure
In a surprising turn of events, The Gathering Place, a charter school located in northwest San Antonio, has announced that it will close its doors after the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year. This decision comes on the heels of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) denying the school’s application for charter renewal based on academically unacceptable performance highlighted by ongoing challenges with standardized test results over the last two school years.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The TEA’s recent findings paint a concerning picture for The Gathering Place. Last year, only 30% of students reached grade level in math, while a more encouraging 57% succeeded in reading. However, when it came to science, a staggering 75% of students fell behind. In comparison, statewide averages stood much higher at 72% in math, 76% in reading, and 75% in science. The school had previously received “not-rated” scores during the pandemic years of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, which meant they were unable to assess academic performance adequately during that time.
Board’s Tough Decision
After carefully assessing the situation, the school’s board of directors convened to discuss a potential appeal against the TEA’s ruling. However, they ultimately decided against it. The main concerns were the low chances of success for the appeal and the associated high costs that could burden an already struggling institution.
Reflections from Leadership
Amidst all this, Superintendent Brian Sparks expressed heartfelt disappointment over the impending closure. He emphasized that the focus remains on providing quality education for the students until the very last day of school.
Challenges in Enrollment
The Gathering Place faces significant financial hurdles, primarily due to low student enrollment. Currently, nearly 70% of its students are classified as economically disadvantaged. Compounding these difficulties is an alarming student attrition rate of 49% last year, starkly contrasted by the statewide average of only 18%.
Finding New Homes for Students
Support for Families and Staff
Helping Staff Move Forward
Meanwhile, the school is not forgetting its 62 employees. Plans are in place for resume development, career coaching, and networking opportunities to help them find new job placements in what is sure to be a competitive educational job market.
A Vision Cut Short
The Gathering Place opened its doors back in 2020, founded by innovative leaders who hoped to focus on arts, social justice, and project-based learning. Unfortunately, the school encountered numerous administrative challenges and investigations during its brief, yet impactful existence.
As San Antonio prepares for this school closure, both families and staff are left to grapple with the reality of finding new paths forward. The community will feel the loss of a school that aimed to cater to the diverse needs and values of its students.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT
- San Antonio Express-News
- San Antonio Current
- Bloomberg
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Google Search: San Antonio charter school closure
- Google Scholar: Texas Education Agency charter school performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: San Antonio school closure
