SAN ANTONIO (September 27, 2013) – IDEA Public Schools, a nationally recognized public charter school network, celebrated the opening of its thirtieth school, IDEA South Flores, with a ribbon cutting earlier today while highlighting expansion plans. The ribbon cutting featured Mayor Julian Castro, IDEA founder and CEO Tom Torkelson and IDEA San Antonio region executive director, Rolando Posada.
The addition of IDEA South Flores to IDEA Public Schools’ growing network brings the San Antonio total to four schools serving nearly 1,000 students. IDEA Public Schools entered the San Antonio region when it partnered with The Carver Academy, founded by NBA legend David Robinson, in February of 2012. Robinson, an IDEA San Antonio regional board member, was unable to attend the event, but left a video message for the audience. “IDEA Public Schools is committed to doing whatever it takes to closing the achievement gap, and we’re just getting started,” he said.
Further emphasizing IDEA’s commitment to closing the achievement gap and educating the San Antonio community was Angelina Guzman, IDEA South Flores College Prep 6th grade student ambassador. “I chose IDEA because I got a letter in the mail that taught me that IDEA Public Schools sends 100 percent of its students to college; I want to be part of that.” She continued by sharing a personal story about the struggle deciding between her traditional public school and lifelong friends and her new school choice, but ended the anecdote by saying, “IDEA South Flores is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m being challenged in the classrooms and I’ve taken my learning to new heights.”
IDEA Public Schools has ambitious plans. Since opening in 2000, IDEA has expanded from one campus in Donna, Texas, to fifteen campuses throughout Texas. Its inaugural cohort had 150 students and this year’s combined student cohort has more than 15,000 students.
“We are on track to send more students from low-income communities to college than any other district in the state of Texas by 2017,” said Tom Torkelson, IDEA Founder and CEO. “Expanding to San Antonio, a city with strong education leadership, furthers our ability to achieve this goal and to continue sending 100 percent of our students to college.” Torkelson shared expansion plans with the attendees, highlighting a third campus site in San Antonio’s west side. The site will open in the fall.
Attendees had the opportunity to tour the campus. Many thanks to the team who completed the construction of this project: PMSI and the Guido Brothers.
To learn more about IDEA Public Schools contact Vanessa Barry, Director of Communications, by phone at 512-657-5461 or by e-mail at vanessa.barry@ideapublicschools.org.
About IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools is a growing network of tuition-free K-12 public charter schools serving more than 15,000 students in 30 schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Central Texas. IDEA is committed to "College For All Children" and has sent 100% of its graduates to college for six consecutive years.
