Back to school Published Aug. 8, 2012 By Larry Lumpkin Goodfellow's School Liaison Officer GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Now that the 2012-13 school year is rapidly approaching and with the large number of educational choices, there may be some difficulty in making a selection. Choosing the top school for your children is not an easy task. With that goal in mind please allow me to introduce the many fine institutions of learning available in San Angelo while serving here. The majority of the children attend one or more of San Angelo ISD's 17 elementary campuses, three middle schools, one freshman campus, and two high schools, not to mention one alternative school and three Early Head Start/Head Start campuses. Ten are designated exemplary and eleven recognized by the Texas Education Agency. Enrollment has begun until classes resume Aug. 27. Two primary schools serve those living in base housing, Glenmore Elementary (325-659-3657) at 323 Penrose adjacent West of the base and Belaire Elementary (325-659-3639) at 700 Stephen, close by the North gate. In addition Glenn Middle School, Central Freshman and High School campuses serve secondary grade levels. Glenmore Elementary and six other campuses have pre-kindergarten classes for four year olds by Sept. 1. Military children meeting enrollment requirements qualify to attend these classes, which run half day sessions. For more information call (325) 947-3700 or check the San Angelo ISD's website: http://www.saisd.org Another public school offering gaining in popularity is Texas Leadership Charter Academy with its two campuses: Elementary (325-653-3200) serving grades pre-k through sixth grade at 5687 Melrose Ave. and Secondary (325-653-3200) serving seventh through 12th grade at 126 Jackson. Charter schools are free and selection is based upon a lottery. Some grade levels have waiting lists and it is advisable to contact the school with inquiries as soon as possible. Classes for TLCA begin Aug. 20. For more information visit http://www.tlca-sa.com. The families at Goodfellow are fortunate to have five private or religiously supported schools, all of which have discounts for military children and after school childcare: Ambleside School (325-659-1654), is an International consortium based upon the methods of Charlotte Mason, English author, philosopher, and educator. Classes for pre-k through eighth grade and high school begin Tuesday, Sept. 4 at its campus on 511 W. Harris. For more information visit http://www.amblesidesanangelo.wordpress.com. Angelo Catholic School, primary campus (325-949-1747) at 2315 A&M Avenue and elementary campus (325-655-3325) at 19 S. Oakes start classes on Aug. 20. Students are educated in pre-k through eighth grade levels. For more information visit http://www.angelocatholicschool.org. Cornerstone Christian School (325-655-3439) has an adjoining elementary and secondary campus located at 1502 N. Jefferson Street which serves pre-k through 12th grade. First day of school will be Aug.15. For more information visit http://www.ccs-sanangelo.com San Angelo Christian Academy (325-651-8363) is affiliated with the Church of Christ and accredited through the National Christian School Association. Located at 518 Country Club Road, it serves pre-k through 10th grade. Classes begin Aug. 20. For more information visit http://www.sanangelochristianacademy.org. Trinity Lutheran Church School (325-947-1275) and Early Childhood Center (325-947-1148) are accredited through a division of the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission and educates students in pre-k through 12th grade at 3536 YMCA Drive. Classes resume on Aug. 22. For more information visit http://www.tlcsanangelo.com. San Angelo also offers a very active Christian homeschooling association assisting parents with their children's education at home. For more information about the San Angelo Christian HomeSchooling Association visit http://www.sachsa.org. There are numerous websites helpful for those who want to know more about Texas' homeschooling requirements, resources and support, http://www.tea.state.tx.us, http://homeschoolcentral.com, http://www.homeschoolviews.com. In addition there are Virtual/Cyber school options: Texas Virtual School Network Districts: http://txvsn.org/portal National Connections Academy: http://www.connectionsacademy.com/home.aspx Finally, for those who enjoy living nearby in the surrounding communities there are several excellent independent school districts serving pre-k through 12th grade: Wall ISD Elementary (325-651-7522) and High School (325-651-9188): http://www.wallisd.net Veribest ISD (325-655-2851): http://www.veribestisd.net Grapecreek ISD (325-658-7823) http://www.grapecreekisd.net Water Valley ISD Elementary (325-484-2455) and High School (325-484-2424): http://www.watervalley.netxv.net Christoval ISD (325-896-2355) http://www.christovalisd.org
