A Visit to IDEA Public Schools {Sponsored}

On Monday, November 4, I was invited to attend the Community Open House at the IDEA South Flores Campus for our partner IDEA Public Schools.   I knew that IDEA is a charter school that has plans for growth in the San Antonio area but outside of that, I wasn’t very knowledgeable about the schools, their history and what makes them different.  After this visit, I can comfortably say that, not only are these campuses a great addition to the San Antonio education portfolio, but I was blown away with the students I met while I was there. Here’s a little about what I learned and saw during my time at IDEA South Flores.

History of IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools was founded 14 years ago by two Teach for America alumni, Tom Torkelson and JoAnn Gama.  After teaching in South Texas and realizing the level of education being offered, they knew something needed to change.  At 24 years of age, Tom Torkelson was the youngest person to ever apply for and receive a charter.  Fourteen years later, IDEA is serving over 15,000 students in thirty schools in Austin, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley.

Why San Antonio?

IDEA Public Schools believes that all children should have the chance to receive a world-class education, regardless of zip code or background.  They “hunger & thirst for underserved children” who are not on a trajectory for college.  In South San Antonio, 9 out of 10 children don’t continue their education past high school.  Many students are anywhere from one to three grade levels behind where they should be.  South San Antonio is the ideal location for schools like IDEA.  San Antonio currently has four IDEA campuses open with the fifth and sixth on the way and a plan to put twenty total IDEA campuses in San Antonio.

IDEA Model

IDEA’s focus is on college preparation for all children.  They must be doing something right – IDEA has had seven consecutive graduating classes and 100% of the children have been accepted into college.  I was able to hear Roland Posada, Director of Schools for the San Antonio Region, talk about how IDEA crates a powerful learning environment, not only for the students but for their teachers as well.  Not only do teachers have intensive training that starts weeks before the school year begins, but they also have weekly training sessions.  Mr. Posada spoke about the importance that their team of teachers truly embrace their belief in all children and their ability to go to college.

The Students

When I walked in the doors of the school, I was greeted along the way by IDEA’s Student Ambassadors.  They greeted me politely, looked me in the eye, shook my hand – impressive.  After we were greeted by IDEA Public School Staff, we were offered tours of the school by the student ambassadors.  This was my favorite part of my visit to IDEA South Flores.  Our two student ambassadors were brimming with pride about their school.  They talked with enthusiasm about the Core Values of IDEA:  Closing the Achievement Gap; No Excuses; Whatever it Takes; 100% Every Day; Sweating the Small Stuff; Team and Family.  To hear Angelina explain what Sweating the Small Stuff meant, “The littlest things can change a lot”, was a good reminder for me in raising my littles as well.  And to hear these students with aspirations of schools like Yale, Brown, Harvard, and to know that these aren’t just pie in the sky goals for kids that wouldn’t otherwise have these opportunities without an education like the one IDEA offers?  Well, I left inspired and excited that San Antonio has an opportunity for children in underserved communities.

Learn More

Would you like to learn more about IDEA Public Schools?  They will be offering another Community Open House at their IDEA Carver Campus on December 12 from 9am-10am.  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to [email protected]

IDEA Carver
217 Robinson Place
San Antonio, Texas 78202