On Tuesday, CAST STEM students were able to start their first day of the spring semester at their new home at Palo Alto College. Earlier last year, it was announced that CAST STEM High School would begin relocating from their standalone campus at Southwest Independent School District to one more integrated at Palo Alto College. Although it was initially planned for upperclassmen to relocate in Spring 2024 and underclassmen in Fall 2024, CAST STEM announced late last year that all students would relocate in January 2024. On Monday, CAST STEM, CAST Network and PAC worked to prepare the classrooms so that everything was ready for the incoming students by Tuesday.
To Jeanne Russell, CAST Schools’ Executive Director, this was always aligned with CAST’s vision:
We’re delighted at the opportunity to partner with Alamo Colleges and Southwest ISD to pilot a new model of co-location with a community college. Unlike early college high schools, where students earn an associate’s degree, we hope to co-create a customized model where students may earn that degree, but also have other flexible options including certifications. Early supporters of CAST Schools may recall that this was our original vision for CAST STEM and we’re thrilled that the time is right for this exciting partnership!
About Southwest Independent School District
Southwest Independent School District is a distinguished, award-winning school district with numerous recognitions at the regional and state levels. SWISD prides itself in its family-friendly schools, positive and inclusive community culture, and wide range of college and career-ready programs. Southwest ISD serves 13,800 students and 1,900 employees and comprises 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools with state-of-the-art athletic facilities and a brand-new aquatic center.
About the CAST Schools Network
The Centers for Applied Science & Technology (CAST) is a San Antonio-based network of tuition-free public schools with a mission to reinvent schooling in order to maximize opportunities for students while preparing them for college, career, and life. Open to all Bexar County students. The network includes high schools CAST Tech, CAST Teach, CAST STEM, CAST Med, CAST Lead, and the Advanced Learning Academy. Schools are co-created with industry and partner with area public school districts, including Northside, San Antonio, Southwest, and East Central ISDs. For more information, visit castschools.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Palo Alto College
Palo Alto College, part of the Alamo Colleges District, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and a recipient of the 2015 Texas Award for Performance Excellence, a finalist for the 2016 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and a Rising Star winner of the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. With over 9,000 students, Palo Alto College is accredited to offer associate degrees and short-term certificates. The College is located on the southside of San Antonio at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. at I-410 and Texas Hwy 16 and online at alamo.edu/pac.
