• Foundation concepts for high school mathematics. As presented in Grades K-8, the basic understandings of number, operation, and quantitative reasoning; patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking; geometry; measurement; and probability and statistics are essential foundations for all work in high school mathematics. Students will continue to build on this foundation as they expand their understanding through other mathematical experiences.

• Algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning. Symbolic reasoning plays a critical role in algebra; symbols provide powerful ways to represent mathematical situations and to express generalizations. Students use symbols in a variety of ways to study relationships among quantities.

• Function concepts. A function is a fundamental mathematical concept; it expresses a special kind of relationship between two quantities. Students use functions to determine one quantity from another, to represent and model problem situations, and to analyze and interpret relationships.

• Students enrolled in English I continue to increase and refine their communication skills. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. Students edit their papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English and produce final, error-free drafts. In English I, students practice all forms of writing. An emphasis is placed on organizing logical arguments with clearly expressed related definitions, theses, and evidence. Students write to persuade and to report and describe. English I students read extensively in multiple genres from world literature such as reading selected stories, dramas, novels, and poetry originally written in English or translated to English from oriental, classical Greek, European, African, South American, and North American cultures. Students learn literary forms and terms associated with selections being read. Students interpret the possible influences of the historical context on a literary work.
• For students enrolled in English I whose first language is not English, the students' native language serves as a foundation for English language acquisition.
• The essential knowledge and skills as well as the student expectations for English I are described in subsection (b) of this section.
• To meet Public Education Goal 1 of the Texas Education Code, §4.002, which states, "The students in the public education system will demonstrate exemplary performance in the reading and writing of the English language," students will accomplish the essential knowledge and skills as well as the student expectations in English I as described in subsection (b) of this section.
• To meet Texas Education Code, §28.002(h), which states, ". . . each school district shall foster the continuation of the tradition of teaching United States and Texas history and the free enterprise system in regular subject matter and in reading courses and in the adoption of textbooks," students will be provided oral and written narratives as well as other informational texts that can help them to become thoughtful, active citizens who appreciate the basic democratic values of our state and nation.

Welcome to the Por Vida Academy Charter District, one of the original charter districts in the state of Texas.  Por Vida, which translates to "for life," defines our commitment to our students -  to educate young adults and provide them with knowledge, self-respect and skills that will be with them for life.  When our students graduate from a Por Vida school, they know they will not be forgotten and that they will always have our resources to support them in their life path.  

Charter schools were designed to offer parents and students an alternative to traditional public schools to meet varying social and educational needs.  We here in the Por Vida district work very hard to provide you with an excellent alternative.   I hope you choose Por Vida Academy. 

Our Charter District has grown significantly since we first opened the doors of our San Antonio campus - Por Vida Academy - in 1995. Since then, we added Corpus Christi Academy (2001) and Cesar E. Chavez Academy (2007). Although we have grown, we strive to keep a cohesive group of students, parents and staff members across the district. We keep the spotlight on student success, community involvement and fiscal responsibility. All three of our campuses this past school year received an acceptable rating from the Texas Education Agency. Our Principals, Teachers and Staff work very hard to ensure an acceptable rating at their respective campuses. I welcome you to visit any one of our campuses and meet with our staff. I know you will be impressed with the level of commitment and dedication we have to our students. Whether you are a parent, a student, a business owner, or a community member, there are a number of ways that you can get involved and connected to Por Vida Academy Charter School District.

Sincerely,

Joseph G. Rendon, LMSW

Executive Director