SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 12, 2025) – San Antonio ISD has updated its Annual Call for Proposals for in-district charter schools for the 2026-27 or 2027-28 school year, as determined by the partner and district, by adding one additional campus to the list of schools identified for partnerships. The district originally issued the Call for Proposals in June and held information meetings in July. Proposals are sought to align with the district’s strategic goals to improve student outcomes, increase innovation, and expand high-quality options for families. Any non-profit 501c3 educational entity, higher education institution, or internal school leader may submit a proposal. Applications are due Dec. 5.
“The Annual Call for quality schools is SAISD's commitment to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education,” said Melissa Alcala, Ed.D., assistant superintendent for 1882 partnerships. “It is our opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for our students by supporting bold, innovative school models that meet community needs and raise the bar for excellence.”
The current call is specifically seeking proposals for a turnaround elementary or middle school model, or an innovative school model that reimagines traditional schooling.
Submissions that propose to turnaround an elementary or middle school will serve a low-performing campus within the district, with a plan that demonstrates capacity to significantly raise academic achievement within three years. This plan also should outline strong instructional leadership and teacher development strategies, prioritize data-driven instruction and targeted student interventions, demonstrate a sound operational and financial plan, and offer a sustainable strategy to transform school culture and family engagement.
The following schools are identified for turnaround partnerships:
· Graebner Elementary School, 530 Hoover Ave., San Antonio, TX 78225
· Herff Elementary School, 996 S. Hackberry St., San Antonio, TX 78210
· Hirsch Elementary School, 4826 Seabreeze, San Antonio, TX 78220
· Whittier Middle School, 2101 Edison Drive, San Antonio, TX 78201
Submissions that propose an innovative school model should incorporate forward-thinking instructional models such as project-based learning, STEM/STEAM, or competency-based learning. The plan should provide evidence of how its proposed innovation is aligned with improved student outcomes and demonstrate clear strategies for scaling, sustainability, staff training, and community demand.
One school is identified for an innovative partnership:
· Young Men’s Leadership Academy, 415 Gabriel, San Antonio, TX 78202
Interested applicants will have access to district data, campus needs assessments, and technical assistance sessions. Planning grants or startup funds may be available for approved proposals.
Applicants will be reviewed and potentially interviewed in December, with board approval for proposals that move forward scheduled in early spring of 2026.
The updated call for proposals (with embedded application) is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZBRBDbh0xbsbMQX40gMzJQb04D2bA-Ol7zOUwb0OrqU/edit?usp=sharing
For more information, visit https://innovatesaisd.org. For questions or to submit proposals, contact Melissa Alcala, Ed.D. at malcala1@saisd.net or (210) 554-2500, ext. 42662.