Philosophy & Our Promises

In one of the fastest-growing U.S. economies and one of the most racially and economically segregated cities, The Centers for Applied Sciences and Technology | CAST Schools is showing the power of investing in San Antonio’s young people. As a network of tuition-free, five career-themed high schools, one middle school,  and one Pre-K to 12 Academy, CAST is dedicated to closing the gap on income inequality and nurturing San Antonio’s homegrown talent.

OUR MISSION

Reinvent schooling to maximize opportunities for students while preparing them for college AND careers.

OUR VISION

Create models to address San Antonio’s persistent educational challenges and income inequality.

 

The CAST Promise

By graduation, students will earn:

A minimum of 9 transferable college credits

At least one industry recognized certificate

Internship experience

Leveraging our Core Pillars to lead our students to ECONOMIC FREEDOM

Co-created as a regional partnership between independent school districts, higher education institutions, and local employers, CAST offers a new model of teaching and learning that supports students’ college and career goals and connects them with high-demand, high-growth, high wage jobs.

Relationships

Industry and other community leaders are equal stakeholders in school design and governance; they collaborate and work alongside students and co-create everything from projects to school curriculum and schedule.

Equity

As a community, we help all students reach their full potential. Our schools are intentionally diverse and integrated, and our enrollment practices create schools that reflect the communities we serve. We use data to drive continuous improvement and to ensure that every child's needs are seen and met.

Youth Voice and Agency

Students act as co-creators and co-problem solvers at the school and beyond, offering ideas, posing new questions, and authentically engaging in their education. Student-led learning promotes effective collaboration, development of leadership skills and the development of self-management, goal setting, self-advocacy, and student agency.

Authentic Learning

Student learning is connected to real-world needs outside the school walls; students travel to the workspace and design relevant projects for real audiences with competitions, presentations, and other authentic exhibitions of learning.

Designing Student Experiences

At CAST, we believe that authentic learning experiences results in the development of students’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Our instructional models are designed to achieve this goal.