District News

We are proud to announce that two outstanding students from Freedom Elementary earned 2nd place honors in their respective grade levels at the Centro Cultural Aztlan Annual Superhero Art Contest — a citywide competition that showcased the artistic talents of elementary students from across San Antonio.

Ivy Miller (2nd Grade) – 2nd Place Winner
Melissa Martinez (4th Grade) – 2nd Place Winner

Their artwork stood out among an impressive 158 entries from schools throughout the city, demonstrating remarkable creativity, imagination, and dedication.

This year, Freedom Elementary submitted 51 student entries, each one reflecting the heart, talent, and superhero spirit of our young artists. We are incredibly proud of all our participants for their enthusiasm and artistic excellence.

Congratulations to Ivy, Melissa, and all of our student artists — you continue to inspire us with your creativity!

Freedom Elementary proudly earned an A- rating for the 2022–2023 academic school year, according to the latest accountability ratings released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and families in striving for academic excellence and creating a strong learning environment. Congratulations to the entire Freedom Elementary community on this outstanding achievement!

Enjoy this video celebrating Freedom Elementary!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Freedom Elementary has been named an A-rated campus in the Texas Education Agency’s 2023 Accountability Ratings!

This outstanding achievement marks a major milestone for the school, which climbed from a B to an A rating in just one year under new leadership.

Principal Selina Puente shared her pride in the entire Freedom team, saying, “I’m very proud of my staff and students for doing all the amazing things that helped us to achieve this great accolade.”

Reaching this level so quickly was deeply moving for Puente. “We went from a B to an A in one year, with a new principal and new leadership. Reaching this point in one year, I never thought we could accomplish it. I am very emotional. It was always a goal, and to get it in a year… It’s just amazing.”

She attributes the school’s success to a strong, united culture. “It is my name on the paper, but it really is a family here. Our campus culture is so unique, and I think that has helped make us so successful, the desire to be the best for our kids, and to give our all every day.”

Puente also praised the commitment and passion of her team: “We work hard without me asking because we care deeply about our kids. We don’t do things halfway. It’s all or nothing.”

“Freedom students and staff have worked extremely hard to meet the challenge. We are extremely proud of what they have accomplished and continue to accomplish. We look forward to many, many great things to come from the A-Rated Freedom Cardinals,” said Rolando Ramirez, Superintendent of Schools.

Congratulations to Freedom Elementary’s students, staff, and families on this recognition. Your hard work, heart, and teamwork truly make you A-rated in every way!

Happy National Assistant Principals Week! A big thank you to our amazing Assistant Principals at Southside ISD for your leadership, dedication, and hard work. Your impact is truly appreciated every day!

Congratulations to Monica Arellano, a dedicated 4th-grade teacher at Freedom Elementary, for being named a KENS 5 Excel Award winner! Her passion for education and commitment to her students make her truly deserving of this honor. Stay tuned for the full interview airing this April, where you’ll get to see her incredible impact on Southside ISD!

Congratulations to Freedom Elementary‘s 3rd Grade Class for advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA’s Read to the Final Four tournament! Students and schools compete for the chance to win exciting prizes, free books, and even a library makeover. Keep up the great work, Cardinals—keep reading and logging those minutes!