A major rebranding and school improvement effort is underway at one of San Antonio’s longest-standing public charter systems. For over twenty years, the School of Excellence in Education, currently consisting of two elementary schools, a junior high, and a high school, has bridged critical education gaps in the San Antonio area by creating a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
The School of Excellence governing board approved renaming the School of Excellence to Legacy Traditional Schools with the Texas Education Agency authorization of the plan. Significant facility improvements are underway and will continue through the school year. On their first day of school, August 11, students and staff will return to refreshed buildings, additional student support, new equipment, and a revised curriculum.
The school’s governing board also approved the pursuit of two possible new campus sites which would open in August 2022.
According to School Board President, Patrick Britton, “This vision and real transformation started some time ago. We realized that the school and its students are confronted by an increasingly competitive world that demands knowledge and academic skills pertinent to tomorrow’s economy.”
Britton explained that the school board added new board members who had experience in this type of growth and who are actively facilitating the financial commitment necessary from the San Antonio community.
“This effort is not only for our current students, but it will also broaden the schools’ appeal for families who are looking for a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum emphasizing all areas of academic study, including the arts, physical education, extensive athletics, and extracurricular activities,” Britton said.
Legacy Traditional Schools is one of the highest-rated charter school networks in Arizona, with more than 25,000 students across Arizona and Nevada.
Superintendent Myeisha Heywood added, “The changes and excitement are palpable. Renewed promise and progress is on the horizon. From the teachers and staff to the parents and kids, everyone is ecstatic about the transformation and building improvements. We’ve held a number of virtual parent information sessions for interested families and a series of open houses – as well as get-togethers – while the buildings are undergoing renovations this summer.”
Haywood further explained that curriculum changes, to be integrated gradually, will have the intent of raising student academic outcomes. “Our teachers are embracing Legacy’s proven traditional approach and are eager to begin implementing a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes all areas of academic study, including the arts, physical education, and extensive athletics and extracurricular activities.”
The combined four-school Legacy Traditional School network in Texas has a student population of nearly 400 and is growing – along with plans for adding potentially more schools to the network.
Join the Wolfpack family by visiting a Legacy Traditional Schools – Texas campus or by starting the enrollment process at Texas.LegacyTraditional.org.
Dr. Harmon W. Kelley Elementary
Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 6
802 Oblate Dr., San Antonio, TX 78216
210-431-9881
Dr. David C. Walker Elementary
Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 6
6500 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78218
210-431-9881
Dr. Paul S. Saenz Junior High
Grades 7-8
1826 Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78213
210-431-9881
Milton B. Lee Academy of Science & Engineering
Grades 9-12
1826 Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78213
210-431-9881
About Legacy Traditional Schools
Legacy Traditional Schools believes there is no limit to what a student can achieve with a great education. This non-profit network of tuition-free, A-rated public charter schools was founded on this principle, and it underlies our mission to educate lifelong learners and develop engaged citizens. Every Legacy Traditional School features a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes all areas of academic study, including the arts, physical education and extensive athletics and extracurricular activities. In 2021-22, Legacy is educating more than 25,000 students across 23 campuses in Arizona (Greater Phoenix, Tucson, Maricopa and Casa Grande) and Nevada (North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas and Henderson) and Legacy Online Academy at online.legacytraditional.org. Learn more at http://www.legacytraditional.org.