Catholic Schools in San Antonio Studying Public Charter School Idea

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/religion/35097569.html

This year, 13,717 students are enrolled in San Antonio's 44 Catholic schools, down from 14,303 in the 2007-08 school year. The migration of families out of urban areas nationwide and fewer families able to afford the $3,000 to $7,000 annual tuition, has forced some Catholic schools to make difficult decisions. One trend to save the schools from closing has been to convert to public charter schools. As the concept gains national attention, some in San Antonio are asking principals and pastors to look into transforming some of the local Catholic schools to public charters. "We know it's a good idea; we know the model works, and we are actively pursuing this," said Simón Salas, chief operating officer for Academica, which operates public charters in San Antonio and in other states. "We're looking for the right opportunity." The idea has already taken root elsewhere in Texas. St. Mary's Academy in Beeville reopened in August 2001 as St. Mary's Academy Charter School with 180 students. Enrollment is now up to 330. “It was a loss to many of them that valued religious instruction in a school setting,” said school principal Stan Simonson. "But the community couldn't afford to keep it open, so a decision was made."

Source: Express News
Date: 11/25/2008