San Antonio School The Gathering Place to Close

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

project-based learning, which aligns with the beliefs of many families, especially those with neuro-divergent learners.

Support for Families and Staff

informational meetings and provide enrollment guides along with one-on-one support for families as they navigate this new chapter. They aim to ensure that families have the resources and information needed to find suitable alternative schools.

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.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

University Launches First-Year Seminar Course for Veterans
San Antonio Schools Face Funding Cuts Amid Voucher Bill Debate
Sad News for San Antonio: The Gathering Place School to Close
Houston Bids Farewell to ‘The Bo Corona Show’
Cat Tragically Loses Life in San Antonio Apartment Blaze
Trump’s Directive to Eliminate Federal Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants
Tragic Midair Collision Claims Two Lives Near Marana Airport
San Antonio Faces Arctic Cold Front
San Antonio School District Faces Backlash Over Transgender Sports Law Allegations
Sweden’s Supreme Court Dismisses Thunberg’s Climate Lawsuit

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