Summary:
This analysis examines three high schools in the 78230 zip code of San Antonio, Texas, which includes a top-tier charter, a high-needs charter, and a specialized alternative campus serving grades 6 through 12 and 12th grade only.
Basis San Antonio- Shavano Campus is the standout academic performer in the area, consistently earning a 5-star rating and ranking as high as 26th out of nearly 2,000 schools statewide. It achieves elite results with a low spending per student of $7,415 and a high graduation rate of 98.6%, while serving a student body with no reported economic disadvantage. In stark contrast, KIPP Somos Collegiate serves a population where over 90% of students are economically disadvantaged and spends nearly twice as much per student ($13,336), yet its academic outcomes generally fall below state averages. However, KIPP Somos Collegiate shows a positive trajectory, improving its state ranking from the 35th to the 58th percentile over three years and outperforming the state in 7th Grade Math and Biology in the most recent data. Chavez Excel Academy is a small, 12th-grade-only campus within the Northside Independent School District (Isd), likely serving as a credit recovery or alternative program. It has a solid 91% graduation rate but a higher dropout rate of 2.5%, and its low free/reduced lunch percentage of 14.67% is an anomaly that may reflect data reporting issues.
The data reveals a clear contrast between the two charter schools in the zip code: Basis Texas operates a low-spending, high-performance model, while KIPP Texas Public Schools spends more with lower student-teacher ratios but faces greater challenges. This highlights that factors like curriculum and school culture, not just spending, drive success. For parents, Basis San Antonio offers elite academics and a proven track record, while KIPP Somos Collegiate provides a supportive environment with improving results for students from high-needs backgrounds. Chavez Excel Academy serves a specific niche for students needing a final-year pathway to graduation.
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