5 Essential Facts About Fernandez Elementary San Antonio: The Latest 2025 Academic Rating And Unique Programs
Raul B. Fernandez Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas, is more than just a Northside Independent School District (NISD) campus; it is a community hub dedicated to fostering excellence from Pre-K through 5th grade. As of today, December 22, 2025, the school continues to be a focus for families moving to the Far West Side of San Antonio, especially given its recent academic performance and robust extracurricular offerings.
The school, proudly known as the home of the Bulldogs, has recently solidified its reputation with a strong Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability rating, making it a standout choice for parents researching the best educational environments in the San Antonio area. This deep dive explores the current leadership, academic achievements, and the inspiring history behind the school’s namesake.
The Legacy of Raul B. Fernandez and School Leadership Profile
Fernandez Elementary is named in honor of a distinguished individual whose commitment to community and education left a lasting mark on the region: Raul B. Fernandez. The school was officially named for him in 1990 by the Northside Independent School District.
- Namesake: Raul B. Fernandez
- Birthplace: Laredo, Texas
- Parents: Gus and Candelaria Fernandez
- Significance: Honored for his contributions to the San Antonio community, ensuring his legacy of service and dedication lives on through the school's mission.
The school's daily operations and educational vision are guided by a dedicated administrative team. The current leadership ensures a focus on student success, school progress, and closing the gaps in achievement.
- Principal: Rebecca Zamora-Barraza
- Associate Principal: Marissa Barboza
- District: Northside Independent School District (NISD)
- Address: 6845 Ridgebrook, San Antonio TX, 78250
- Mascot: Bulldogs
Unpacking the 2025 TEA Accountability Rating
Academic performance is a primary concern for any prospective family, and Fernandez Elementary has delivered a strong report card. For the 2024-2025 school year, the school achieved a commendable State accountability rating.
The Official TEA 'B' Rating: Fernandez Elementary earned a State accountability rating of B (80-89). This rating is based on a comprehensive assessment across three critical domains established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), demonstrating a high level of academic rigor and student support.
Three Key Performance Domains
The 'B' rating is a reflection of the school's balanced success across the three key performance domains:
- Student Achievement: This domain measures how much students know and can do at the end of the school year. Fernandez Elementary’s score in this area indicates strong mastery of grade-level material, particularly in core subjects like Math and Reading.
- School Progress: This domain evaluates how students perform over time and how the school’s performance compares to other schools with similar student demographics. The positive score here highlights effective teaching strategies and consistent growth.
- Closing the Gaps: This crucial domain measures the academic performance of different student groups, ensuring that all populations—including economically disadvantaged students and students from various ethnic backgrounds—are meeting state standards. The school’s success in this area is a testament to its commitment to equity and targeted support programs.
This strong accountability rating places Fernandez Elementary in an "above average" category among San Antonio public schools and reinforces its ranking in the top 50% for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Extracurricular and Unique Enrichment Programs
Beyond the classroom, Fernandez Elementary School excels in providing a diverse range of extracurricular activities that foster creativity, leadership, and hands-on learning. These programs are vital for developing well-rounded students and building a strong school community.
The Northside ISD is committed to offering instructional opportunities that meet the unique needs of all students, and Fernandez Elementary reflects this through its dedicated clubs and initiatives.
Hands-On Learning and Creative Arts
- Garden Club: The Garden Club offers a unique, project-based learning experience where students engage in the development and maintenance of a school garden. This initiative connects students with science, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.
- Art Club: Students with a passion for visual arts have the opportunity to hone their skills and showcase their work. Participants in the Art Club often submit pieces to district-wide events, such as the NISD's Los Leones/Art Fest, providing valuable exposure and recognition.
- Drama Club: The Drama Club allows students to explore their voice and develop performance skills. This club is instrumental in building confidence, teamwork, and public speaking abilities, preparing students to engage, contribute, and succeed in various settings.
School Spirit and Leadership Development
- Spirit Squad: The Spirit Squad is a highly visible club that practices weekly to perform at special school events during the Spring Semester. Their role is crucial in generating school spirit and enthusiasm among the student body and the wider Fernandez community.
- Gifted and Talented (GT) Program: As part of the NISD framework, Fernandez offers instructional opportunities and services specifically designed to meet the advanced learning needs of its Gifted and Talented students.
Enrollment and Campus Logistics for New Families
As a public school within the highly-regarded Northside Independent School District, Fernandez Elementary serves a specific attendance zone in San Antonio. Understanding the logistics is key for new families moving to the area.
Student Body Snapshot:
- Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 5th Grade.
- Enrollment: Approximately 454 students, maintaining a favorable student-to-teacher ratio that supports individualized attention.
- School Hours: The standard school day runs from 7:45 am to 3:00 pm.
Important Updates for the Current School Year:
The school is proactive in its outreach, regularly hosting events to welcome new members. For instance, recent updates from the district highlighted the PreK and Kinder Round-Up, a crucial event for parents enrolling their youngest students into the Fernandez Elementary family. The campus also ensures communication regarding essential services and occasional disruptions, such as managing power outages that can affect various San Antonio schools.
For families residing near Ridgebrook Street, the school provides a foundational and enriching educational experience. The combination of strong academic performance, as evidenced by the 'B' accountability rating, and a vibrant list of extracurricular activities ensures that Raul B. Fernandez Elementary remains a highly desirable educational destination in the Northside ISD.
Detail Author:
- Name : Mr. Holden Mayer Jr.
- Username : zbednar
- Email : dante95@maggio.org
- Birthdate : 2001-11-02
- Address : 4493 Cleora Rest Alysafurt, WY 66923-9049
- Phone : 1-972-485-6220
- Company : Friesen-Runolfsson
- Job : Forester
- Bio : Natus aliquam quia quis sint. Voluptas voluptate hic fuga temporibus ad. Nemo et voluptatem ducimus incidunt id.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/terrywaelchi
- username : terrywaelchi
- bio : Tenetur in unde aut reprehenderit voluptas. Rerum quo et repellat aut porro. Dolorem vel et enim.
- followers : 3914
- following : 1417
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@waelchi2009
- username : waelchi2009
- bio : At blanditiis sit recusandae. Alias laudantium laborum fugiat.
- followers : 4497
- following : 639
