Carvajal Elementary in San Antonio faces potential closure due to poor performance, low enrollment, and a dwindling bilingual program, risking state intervention.
SAN ANTONIO — The future of one San Antonio ISD elementary school remains uncertain as district leaders continue to weigh the possibility of closing Carvajal Elementary School on the city’s west-side.
The issue was once again discussed Monday night during a San Antonio ISD school board meeting. District officials cited several factors contributing to the potential closure, including the school’s academic performance, declining enrollment, and a shrinking bilingual program.
According to the district, Carvajal Elementary has received an “F” rating for the past three years. If the school receives another failing rating this year, SAISD could face state intervention.
Low enrollment has also created staffing challenges. District officials say the small student population limits the number of teachers assigned to the campus, which could result in combined grade levels, with a single teacher responsible for teaching multiple grades in one classroom.
The school’s bilingual program has also seen a significant decline. Some bilingual classes currently have as few as five to nine students. District data shows the program has lost 88 students over the past two years.
The school board could make a final decision as early as January on whether to close Carvajal Elementary.
If the school is closed, students would be reassigned to Barkley-Ruiz Elementary or De Zavala Elementary beginning next school year.
KENS 5 will continue to follow the discussion and provide updates as they become available.