Introduction
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San Antonio is a glittering mosaic of Spanish history and burgeoning
industry, of world ambience and modern-day bustle, architectural artifacts
and modern glassed-walled office buildings. A city of exotic contrasts and
blend of character, San Antonio celebrates its rich heritage and lively
contemporary life with a variety of events delighting residents and tourists
throughout the year. Its weather attracts visitors year-round. And while
ranked as the ninth largest city in the U.S., San Antonio was listed in
a recent survey as the least expensive among twenty five cities in the U.S.
with a population over one million.
San Antonio is often mentioned in the same breath with San Francisco
and New Orleans as one of the most picturesque cities in America. The star
of the cityís crown is its celebrated downtown River Walk lined with
boutiques, grand hotels, outdoor cafes, lively night spots, art galleries
and flagstone sidewalks for taking a stroll during the sunny days or amidst
the sparkling light after dark. River taxis show off the sight from the
waterís edge, with trolleys and horse-drawn carriages available for
landside discoveries.
San Antonio's romantic past has been preserved in its architectural beauty.
The Spanish missions built by Fransiscan fathers in the early 1700's have
become cherished treasures with the Rose Window at the San Jose Mission
a delight to tourists and the pride of residents. La Villita. Meaning ìthe
little townî. On the banks of the San Antonio River dates back to
the late 1700's and has become a nostalgic reminder Of San Antonioís
colorful past with its adobe structures and hand-carved mesquite doors along
flagstone streets. And of course, the city most famous site is the Alamo,
the mission where a small band of Texans fought for twelve days in 1836
under siege by the mighty forces of Santa Anna's Mexican army.
The Alamo City captures hearts easily and beckons people to stay. As
one resident has said,îItísís a city with soul. I couldnít
live anywhere else.î So be ready. When you discover its charm, you
may come under its enchanting spell and never want to leave. But you would
join nearly a million others who love San Antonio's quality of life and
take pride in showing off their exquisite city.
Vital Statistics
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Location:
San Antonio, the seat of Bexar (pronounced bear) County, occupies 328.4
Square miles in south central Texas at the edge of the Gulf Coastal Plains
about 140 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. The metropolitan statistical
area (MSA) is made up of Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe Counties.
Area:
(Source: Planning Department, City of San Antonio)
|
Size |
Populaton |
Altitude |
| City of San Antonio |
328.4 sq.mi |
938,907 |
701 feet |
| Bexar County |
1,248 sq.mi. |
1,189,386 |
500-1,900 feet |
Racial/Ethnic Disribution:
|
Spanish |
Anglo |
Black |
Other |
| City of San Antonio |
53.7% |
38.1% |
7.3% |
0.9% |
Weather Data, 1990:
(Recorded at San Antonio International Airport)
|
Daily Avg. Max |
Daily Avg. Min. |
Rainfall |
| January |
62.3 |
41.6 |
1.66 |
| February |
66.1 |
44.7 |
2.06 |
| March |
72.4 |
49.6 |
1.54 |
| April |
78.8 |
57.6 |
2.54 |
| May |
85.2 |
65.4 |
3.07 |
| June |
91.6 |
72.2 |
2.79 |
| July |
95.6 |
73.9 |
1.69 |
| August |
95.9 |
73.4 |
2.41 |
| September |
89.8 |
68.8 |
3.71 |
| October |
81.8 |
59.2 |
2.84 |
| November |
71.1 |
48.2 |
1.77 |
| December |
64.6 |
41.8 |
1.46 |
| Totals: |
1,017.5 |
696.4 |
27.5 |
Overall: While this summer is hot, with daily maximum temperatures above
90 degrees more than 80% of the time, extremely high temperatures are rare,
the highest on record being 107 degrees. Mild weather prevails during much
of the winter with below freezing temperatures occurring on an average of
about 20 days each year. Source:U.S. Department of Commerce:National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration,Weather Service Forecast Office, San Antonio,TX
Cost of Living:
San Antonio's cost of living is one of the lowest among large U.S. cities,
During the second quarter of 1991, San Antonio ranked second lowest of metropolitan
areas. The cost of living fell 5.8% below national average. In comparing
the 25 largest metro areas, San Antonioís housing cost still ranks
among the lowest.
Population:
The Alamo city's population is 953,933, while the Bexar County population
exceeds 1,185,394.The Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) population.
Including Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe Counties, is more than 1,302,099.
Weather:
San Antonio's modified subtropical climate produces an average temperature
of 68.7 degrees, with a humidity range of 80 percent in the early mornings
to 50 percent in the afternoons. Rainfall averages 28 inches per year with
heaviest amount falling in May and September. The temperature dips below
freezing only about 20 days each winter on average with snowfall a phenomenon
of delight because of its rarity. At the other end of the thermometer, summers
see the temperature reaching the high 90's.
Attractions
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The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero)
ìThe Shrine of Texas Libertyî began its existence as a mission,
became a fortress and is today, a monument to freedom unparallel to the
U.S. During 13 fateful days in 1836, some of the most famous in our history
fought, and died, for Texasí Independence. Colonel William Barret
Travis, David Crockett and James Bowie, along with 186 other fighting men,
battled against Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his 4000
soldiers. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas rescued, restored and currently
maintain the site which consists of museums(the Shrine, the Long Barrack
and the Alamo Museum) displaying artifacts, documents and portraits pertaining
to the battle and to the history of the Republic of Texas; tranquil gardens;
a gift shop; and the Texas History Research Library. Alamo Plaza. 225-1391.
Library:225-1071.
Convention Center
Located on the heart of San Antonio, the center has more than 750,000
square feet of space for trade shows, exhibitions and conventions. It is
the home of the Lila Cockrell Theater and is host to numerous meetings,
banquets and civic events. 200 East Market Street. 299-8500.
HemisFair Plaza
1988 marked the 20th anniversary of HemisFair 1968 with the rejuvenation
of the worldís fair site . Expansion and renovation of the Convention
Center, restoration of existing structures and construction of a new hotel
has taken place. But the centerpiece of the reclaimed area is the 12-acre
water park surrounding the Tower of the Americas. An observation deck allows
spectators to observe extensive new landscaping, cascades, waterfalls, a
lagoon and wading pools, and a crescent fountain which shoots water as high
as 60 feet into the air. 200 South Alamo. 299-8480.
Hertzberg Circus Collection
Highlights of the comprehensive collection of circus memorabilia are
Tom Thumbís miniature carriage and an exquisitely detailed scale
model of a three ring circus, complete with a side show, big top, menagerie
and performers. An extensive research library is also available to the public.
210 West Market. 299-7810.
IMAX Theater
ìAlamo...The Price of Freedomî is a 45-minute feature film,
which brings the thrilling story of the battle of the Alamo to life. The
screen is ten times larger than a conventional movie screen and, along with
a six-track magnetic stereo sound system, gives the viewer an exceptional
sense of participation in the events on screen. Rivercenter Mall(on Crockett
Street). 225-IMAX.
Institute of Texas Cultures
Originally created as the Texas exhibit at HemisFair 1968, this attraction
proved so popular that it has become a permanent educational center of the
University of Texas. Exhibits and demonstrations relating to the culture
of many ethnic groups include music, dance, arts, crafts and the ìFaces
and Places of Texasî film. Throughout the year, the Institute hosts
many special events, including the popular Texas Folklife Festival. There
is also a library and gift store. 801 South Bowie. 226-7651.
Japanese Tea Gardens
This magnificent garden was reclaimed from the old rock quarry which
produced the limestone used to build the State Capital at Austin. Outstanding
floral displays are planted each season, and visitors may enjoy the winding
walkways, bridges, reflecting pools and 60-foot high waterfall. 3800 North
St.Maryís Street.
King William Historic Area
Prominent German merchants settled this elegant residential district
in the late 1800's. Zoned as the stateís first historic district,
many of the mansions are currently being restored. Two of them are open
to the public for tours:Steves Homestead, 509 King William Street, 225-5925;
and Guenther House, 205 East Guenther Street, 227-1061. A walking tour of
the 25-block area is available from the San Antonio Conservation Society
at 107 King William Street. 224-6163.
Market Square
El Mercado is an authentic recreation of a bustling Mexican market, located
in a restored business district. Its shops feature clothing, jewelry, pottery,
baskets, pinatas and arts and crafts of every kind, while tasty Mexican
dishes can be enjoyed in its restaurants and at venderís stands.
Fresh produce is sold directly to consumers in the old farmerís market
tradition. The Market Square Arts Center provides a facility for exhibits
and civic and social functions, as well as concerts, dance and dramatic
programs. Enclosed and air-conditioned for comfort, this is one of the principal
attractions in San Antonio. 514West Commerce. 299-8600.
McNay Art Museum
Originally the residence of Marion Koogler McNay, this museum is dedicated
to the advancement and enjoyment of modern art. The handsome Mediterranean-style
mansion is situated on 23 beautifully-landscaped acres, which are adorned
with many contemporary sculptures. The museumís collection consists
of works by Cezanne, van Gogh, Modigliani, Chagall, Picasso, Oíkeeffe,
Homer, Matisse, Moore and many other famous artists, as well as textiles,
pottery, jewelry and other crafts. There is also a Fine Arts Library and
a library devoted to rare books on theater arts and architecture. Several
exhibitions are scheduled each year. 6000 North New Braunfels. 824-5368.
Page 4
Memorial Hall (Texas Rangers, Trail Driver and Pioneer Exhibits)
The Texas Rangers, pioneers and old trail drivers are honored in this
museum. The lives of early settlers are depicted through furnishings and
clothing in the Pioneer Parlor. The Trail Driver Exhibit Room displays saddles,
firearms, branding irons and barbed wire, along with portraits of the early
ranchers and such trail blazers as Jesse Chisolm, while the Texas Rangers
Exhibit Hall traces the history of the Rangers from the beginning in 1823.
3805 Broadway. 824-2537 and 822-9011.
Memory Lane Doll and Toy Museum
More than 2,500 antique and modern doll and toys are displayed in various
setting in this charming museum. 209 Alamo Plaza. 225-DOLL.
Mexican Cultural Institute
More than 3,000 years of Mexican culture are represented through art
exhibits, films, dance, theater and musical productions in the InstitutoCultural
Mexicano, which is devoted tp the promotion of friendship between Mexico
and U.S. through an exchange of arts and ideas. 600 HemisFair Plaza. 227-0123.
Navarro State Historic Site
Three restored adobe structures exhibit period furnishings and artifacts
pertaining to Jose Antonio Navarro, a prominent Texas statesman and rancher.
228 South Laredo. 226-4801.
Plaza Theater of Wax
Hollywood, history and horrors await the visitor to this wax museum,
which houses over 200 lifelike figures. Ripleyís Believe It Or Not!,
is located in the basement and has 500 exhibits of the beautiful bizarre.
301 Alamo Plaza. 224-9299.
Rivercenter
ìSensational shopping, delectable dining and exciting entertainmentî
are the hallmarkís of the spectacular shopping complex. New in 1988,
Rivercenter has more than 135 specialty shops, services and restaurants,
along with Dillardís, Lord & Taylor, the IMAX Theater and a magnificent
Marriot Hotel. The innovative glass-walled center incorporates the San Antonio
River into its architectural scheme. Beautifully-landscaped terraces, a
stage and graceful bridge provide the setting for river cafes, strolling
entertainers and craftspeople. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio
at 849 East Commerce. 255-0000.
Mission Trail
Part of the national park system, this is Americaís most complete
Spanish Colonial mission complex. The four sister missions of the Alamo
each have a fascinating story to tell. (Be sure to attend the Mariachi Mass
on Sunday at Mission San Jose-for a memory youíll cherish)
River Walk
The Paseo del Rio, in the heart of downtown, is the pride of San Antonio.
Towering trees and lush ornamental gardens line the banks of the river.
Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to elegant river-level boutiques, art
galleries, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, hotels and nightclubs. Among the
pleasures of the area are dining aboard a candlelit barge as it cruises
on the river and being entertained by shows staged at the outdoor Arneson
River Theater. Many of the cityís year-round festivals take place
in this 21-block stretch of beauty. Paseo del Rio Association, 213 Broadway:227-4262;San
Antonio Parks and Recreation Department:299-8480.
Witte Museum
A museum with wonderfully eclectic collections. Favorites are its historic
San Antonio Fiesta gowns, Texas wildlife dioramas, and dinosaur exhibit.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
These 33 acres form a living museum of plant life. There are lovely formal
gardens and Native Texas Areas, along with the South Central Xeriscape,
which demonstrates water conservation through creative landscaping. The
Lucile Halsell Conservatory is an innovative 90,000-square foot complex
of below ground greenhouses surrounding a central courtyard. Sophisticated
climate control systems allow for such diverse vegetation as desert and
tropical pavilions to be located adjacent to an alpine room. Spectacular
displays of flowers and plants are presented year round. 555 Funston. 821-5115.
San Antonio Museum of Art
Housed in the magnificent castle-like building which was formerly the
Lone Star Brewery, this museum is a splendid example of urban reclamation
projects. It contains an encyclopedic collection of Mexican folk, pre-Columbian,
Spanish Colonial and Asian art, as well as Greek and Roman antiquities,
18th and 19th century American paintings, and contemporary art and sculpture.
200 West Jones Avenue. 226-5544.
Buckhorn Hall of Fame and Hall of Texas History
The Lone Star Brewery has made available to the public this collection
of more than 3,500 animal horns and mounted game animal trophies from all
over the world. Relocated on the Brewery grounds is the original Buckhorn
Saloon and the O.Henry House. The Hall of Texas History contains 14 dioramas
depicting memorable periods in the states development. 600 Lone Star Blvd.
226-8301;226-8303 on weekends and holidays . San Antonio Zoological Gardens
and Aquarium: Internationally-known for its exotic antelope and bird collections,
The San Antonio Zoo is modern ark, dedicated to preserving rare species
from around the world. It is the only zoo exhibiting the endangered whooping
crane. The Barrier Reef exhibits contains aquariums displaying sharks and
other exotic fish; and the Childrenís Zoo features a boat ride, desert
building and Everglades with alligators, an education center and a nursery
for baby animals. 3903 St.Maryís Street. 734-7183.
San Fernando Cathedral
This church was built by the Canary Islanders, San Antonioís first
settlers. It is the oldest parish church in Texas, and mass is still celebrated
there today. 114 Main Plaza. 227-1297. Sea World of Texas: This is the largest
marine life family entertainment showplace in the world. Seven million gallons
of man-made sea water are contained in a cluster of performance pools, where
spectacular show by killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine
life are staged. Professional water skiing and speed boat shows take place
on Water Ski Stadiumís 12-acre lake, while concerts and special events
are held at Ski World Theater. Additional attractions include Cypress Gardens
West, with waterfalls and gardens containing 4,000 species of flowers; a
junior playland; a pavilion for 1,200 dancers;exotic birds form around the
world, natural habitats where visitors can feed the animals. A spectacular
view can be had from the inspiring Garden of Flags. 10500 Sea World Dr.
225-4903. Fiesta Texas: The Spirit of Texas comes alive at the southwestís
original family musical & entertainment park. All the color, pageantry and
sheer joy of Texas in one dazzling none-stop celebration that will delight
every member of the family! Texans have a century and a half of reasons
to be proud. And now there is another one. Fiesta Texas is an adventure
into a colorful, ever changing world celebrating Texasí past and
present. Thereís singing and dancing; live music and fabulous food;
thrilling rides for kids of all ages; and a fabulous spectacle of the incomparable
spirit that makes Texas Texas.
Brackenridge Park
Take a long, twisting ride through the park on a miniature train. Sore
above it on the sky ride. Gallop through it on horseback. Or hike and picnic
under its shady trees. And if you still have time, remember-the Zoo and
Japanese Tea Gardens are here, too! Southwest Craft Center: Located in the
former Ursaline Academy, this center provides instruction in the studio
arts. Constructed in the mid-1800's , the site has fallen into disrepair
until the San Antonio conservation Society and the Craft Center undertook
a 12-year project to restore the buildings, gardens and courtyards to their
original beauty. Classes and workshops in ceramics, drawing, painting, weaving,
photography, jewelry making and other arts are available. There is also
a gift shop, a restaurant and two exhibition galleries. 300 Augusta. 224-1848.
The Spanish Governorís Palace: Designated a National Historic Landmark
in 1970, this is one of the most beautiful buildings in San Antonio. Constructed
originally in 1772 to serve as the presidio commanderís residence,
it fell into disrepair until the city of San Antonio purchased it in 1928.
Thorough research led to an authentic restoration, its furnishings and the
spacious patio, with its fountain and luxurious foliage. 105 Plaza de Armas.
224-0601. Tower of the Americas: Constructed in 1968 for HemisFair, the
Tower stands 750 high from the ground to the top of the antenna. Glass walled
elevators ascend more than 500 feet to the observation level, which affords
visitors a sensational panoramic view of the city. There is a revolving
restaurant atop the Tower. 600 HemisFair Way. 299-8615.
Via San Antonio Streetcar
Passengers can trace back in time by riding on this authentic reproduction
of a rail streetcar, like those that traveled the streets of San Antonio
more than 50 years ago. All it costs is ten cents to ride around downtown,
and to St. Paulís square, the King William District and El Mercado.
Call 277-2020 for route information. La Villita: More than 200 years old,
the ìlittle townî occupies one square block on the River Walk
in the center of San Antonio. The charm of its beautiful grounds, historic
buildings, shops and restaurants is irresistible. It is an active arts community,
where shoppers can watch artisans at work at candle making, metal sculpting,
potting , glass blowing, jewelry making, many other crafts. Visitors can
here strolling mariachi musicians, dine at fine restaurants, shop in boutiques
and art galleries and watch theatrical entertainment at the Arneson River
Theater. La Villita hosts many of San Antonioís favorite events.
La Villita Office:418 Villita. 299-8614. Visitor Information Center: Everything
a visitor needs to know about San Antonioís attractions, special
events, accommodations and restaurants can be obtained here. Directions,
maps and literature are available. 317 Alamo Plaza. 299-8155. WWW.San Antoniocvb.com
Splashtown: This 15-acre water recreation park is loaded with thrilling
water slides, the worldís largest surf-tech pool, a sandy beach,
a river, many childrenís activities and lots of fun for the entire
family. I-35 at Coliseum Road. 227-1100.
Performing Arts
Alamo City Theater at The Josephine: Musicals comedies and dramas are
performed Thursday though Sunday year-round by this 1988 Community Arts
Award-winning group. Performances are held in the recently renovated Josephine
Theater, built in 1945. 339 West Josephine. 734-4646. Arneson River Theater:
The San Antonio River wands along between stage and audience in this unique
outdoor theater, where varied musical and dance performers-mariachis, country/western,
jazz, flamenco and operas are staged. 418 Villita. 299-8610. Ballet Folklorico
de San Antonio: Traditional Mexican and Spanish folk dances are performed
by this non-profit company in and around San Antonio. Regular summer performances
are held at the Arneson River Theater. 558-7787.
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
This organization is dedicated to the development, preservation and promotion
of Mexican-American arts. It offers both instruction in and presentation
of literature and musical, visual and theater arts, along with many festivals.
1300 Guadalupe Street. 271-3151. Harlequin Dinner Theater: Local actors
perform a season of musicals, comedies, dramas and mysteries at Fort Sam
Houston. 2652 Harney Road. 222-9694.
San Antonio Symphony
Founded in 1939, the San Antonio Symphony is one of the major cultural
influences in Texas and the southwest a full season, with world-class soloist
and guest conductors, in performed from September to May, along with a pop
series. Regular season performances are given at the Lila Cockrell Theater.
Symphony Office. 109 Lexington Avenue. 225-6161. Box Office: 229-5591. Lila
Cockrell Theater: Built in 1968 for HemisFair, this 2,700 seat performing
arts facility is used extensively for conventions and meetings, as well
as touring and theatrical and musical performances. San Antonio Convention
Center, 200 East Market Street. 299-8500. Majestic Performing arts Center:
This vintage vaudeville and movie palace is scheduled to undergo a major
renovation in 1988-89. 212 East Houston. 226-9535. Melodrama Playhouse and
Saloon: Life comedy is the speciality of this old time melodrama theater.
300 HemisFair Plaza. 271-0300 Opera Theater of San Antonio: Professional
opera singers from well-known companies in the U.S. star in three productions
a year. Performances are held at the Carver Community Cultural Center. 226
North Hackberry Street. 271-7100 San Antonio Little Theater(SALT): The oldest
continually operating theatrical company in San Antonio presents a season
of Broadway musical on its Main Stage and experimental productions in the
Cellar. San Pedro Playhouse, 800 West Ashby. 733-7258. San Antonio Performing
Arts Association: The non-profit organization is dedicated to the presentation
of world renowned dance, theatrical and musical companies-often with outstanding
soloists-to San Antonians. Performances take place at various locations.
Administrative Office: 110 Broadway, Suite 320. 224-8187.
Sports
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San Antonio has the activity and the weather for everyone who is interested
in watching or participating in sports. There are both professional teams
and recreational fun. Listed here are some the sports highlights of the
area. Auto Racing Alamo Dragway and San Antonio Raceway offer top stock
car racing on Saturday nights from April through September. Alamo dragway
is located at 107 Vincent(923-8801), and San Antonio Raceway is on Highway
16 South, four miles south of Loop 410(523-5425). The five categories of
racing here are late-model stock, super-street stock, bomber stock, super
series and four-cylinder modified.
Baseball and Softball
San Antonio Missions Baseball
This class AA Texas League team is a farm team for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Its season is April through August, and home games are played at Nelson
Wolfe Stadium. For amateur softball leagues throughout the city, call the
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department at 821-3127.
Basketball
San Antonio Spurs Basketball
The city's National Basketball Association franchise, the Spurs, has
a fanatic, loyal following during the season, which runs from October through
April. Home games are played at the Alamo Dome. For ticket information,
call 224-9578. For Amateur teams, The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department
offers basketball leagues. Call 821-3127 for information.
College Sports
The University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners play NCAA Division
1 basketball. Trinity University(the Tigers) has one of top 20 menís
and womenís tennis teams in divisional NCAA tennis. The St. Maryís
University Rattlers play NAIA basketball and baseball in the Heart of Texas
Conference.
Fishing
There are four good fresh water fishing sites near San Antonio: Brauning
Lake: spans 1,350 acres, can be reached heading south on I-37. Canyon
Lake: spans 3,450 acres, is accessible off of I-37 south to 181 South,
then east on Loop 410. Calaveras Lake: an 8,240-acre U.S. Corps of
Engineers reservoir in one of the most scenic lakes in Texas. Public parks
are located along the shoreline and offer camping and trailer areas, along
with picnicking and boat ramps. Medina Lake: with 5,570 acres, can
be reached by taking Texas Highway 16 northwest.
Jog/Run/Walk
There are ample trails for jogging and running in San Antonio. Especially
pleasant are the paths located In major parks. For information on weekly
races and marathons, call the Alamo City Athletic Club at 732 -1332. The
American Volkssport Association at 659-2112 can give information on organized,
supervised walks for the whole family at both local and national sites.
Soccer/Rugby
Soccer leagues are located all over the city. The San Antonio Soccer
Association, made up of professionals and amateurs, is affiliated with the
United States Soccer Federation. The Soccer Association has two seasons-October
through April and June through mid-August. There are also coed leagues,
amateur leagues and youth leagues for children five to 18. For information
on these leagues call 681-5408. Rugby, a cousin of soccerís, is also
catching on here.
Restaurants
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Our multi-cultural heritage means you can pick from a smorgasbord of
restaurants, offering everything from Texas barbecue and spicy Mexican dishes
to continental, oriental, and ìhaute Americanî cuisine. Whateverís
on the menu, we promise youíll eat it up! Festivals: No matter what
time you come it'll be party time! For instance, April brings Fiesta parades
and street parties. February gallops in with the Stock Show & Rodeo. And
in August, the Texas Folklife Festival celebrates the multi-cultural heritage
of Texas.
Schools
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Pre-school to post graduate How are public schools administered in San
Antonio? Public schools in San Antonio, as in all of Texas, as in all of
Texas are administered in a manor that is surprising to many newcomers.
There are 15 separate and independent school within the San Antonio are.
Each is entirely independent of the city, the county and of each other.
Each is responsible to and is accredited by Texas Education Agency, headquartered
in Austin. The separate school districts are quasi-governmental agencies
with elected school boards and appointed superintendents. The schools are
financed by state and federal funds, and by local property taxes levied
on residents and businesses within each school district. Together, the 15
district operate 33 high schools(grades 9 through 12), 53 middle schools(grades
6 through 8) and 188 elementary schools(kindergarten through grade 5). The
total average daily attendance at all schools is 186,008. What determines
where my children go to school? Children go to the schools in the school
district in which they reside. There is no busing of students across district
boundaries. However, with the High Tech High School and the Health Careers
High School accept out-of-district students. How old does my child have
to be to enter first grade? Children must be at least six years old on or
before September 1 of the year they enter first grade. Where do I register
my child for school? Register at the school the child will be attending.
That can be determined by calling the central office of the school district
in which you reside. When registering children for school, have birth certificate,
proof of residence, and immunization records. Is there minimum competency
testing? The Texas Assessment of Basic Skills test is given to all third,
fifth and ninth graders across the state. Its purpose is to indicate mastery
or non-mastery of basic skills in reading, language arts and mathematics.
When does the school year begin and end? In most school districts, it begins
in late August or immediately after Labor Day. School is generally out for
the year the last Friday in May. Breaks occur at Christmas and in the Spring,
with several other vacation days each year.
What are the addresses of the school districts?
Alamo Heights Independent School District, 7101 Broadway, telephone 824-2483.
5 schools: 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school. Average
daily attendance 3,154. Student/teacher ratio, 14/1. Expenditure per student
per year $3,340.
East Central ISD, 6634 New Sulfur Springs Rd..,648-7861. 8 schools: 5
elementary, 2 middle schools, 1 high school. Average daily attendance. Student/teacher
ratio, 19/1. Expenditure per student, $2,232.
Edgewood ISD, 5358 W.Commerce, telephone 433-2361. 26 schools: 18 elementary,
5 middle schools, 3 high schools. Average daily attendance: 14,837. Student/teacher
ratio 20/1. Expenditure per student, $1,972.
Fort Sam Houston ISD, 1900 Winans Road, telephone 824-7539. 2 schools:
1 elementary and 1 middle-high school. Average daily attendance: 1,300..
Student/teacher ratio : 18/1. Expenditure per student, $2,342.
Harlandale ISD, 102 Guinevieve St., telephone 924-2301. 21 schools: 15
elementary, 4 middle, 2 high schools. Average daily attendance: 13,791.
Student/teacher ratio: 16/1. Expenditure per student, $2,103.
Judson ISD, P.O. Box 249(Converse, TX), telephone (1)658-6371. 11 schools:
8 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high school. Average daily attendance : 8,562.
Student/teacher ratio: 18/1. Expenditure per student, $2,240.
Lackland ISD, 228 Pucket St., telephone 674-4400. 2 schools: 1 elementary
and 1 middle-high school. Average daily attendance: 794. Student/teacher
ratio: 17/1. Expenditure per student, $2,200.
Northeast ISD, 10333 Broadway, telephone 655-4210. 40 schools: 27 elementary
, 8 middle, 5 high schools. Average daily attendance: 31,269. Student/teacher
ratio: 17/1. Expenditure per student , $2,248.
Randolph Field ISD, P.O. Box 2217, (Universal City,TX), telephone 658-3576.
2 schools: 1 elementary and 1 middle-high school. Average daily attendance:
1,120. Student/teacher ratio: 17/1. Expenditure per student, $3,020.
San Antonio ISD, 141 Lavaca St., telephone 299-5500. 90 schools: 65 elementary,
17 middle, 8 high schools. Average daily attendance: 55,962. Student/teacher
ratio: 18/1. Expenditure per student, $2,168.
Somerset ISD, P.O. Box 278, (Somerset,TX), telephone (1)429-3507. 3 schools:
1 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high school. Average daily attendance: 1,391.
Student/teacher ratio: 16/1. Expenditure per student: $1,750.
Southside ISD, 1610 Martinez-Losoya Rd.. Telephone 626-2346. 4 schools:
2 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high school. Average daily attendance, 1,922.
Student/teacher ratio: 18/1. Expenditure per student, $2,203.
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