Welcome to another exciting school year at Southside ISD. It is wonderful to have all of our students back in the classroom. Providing a high quality education is of the utmost importance at Southside ISD. We believe school success goes hand and hand with good attendance.
Southside ISD, believes that consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic and social success. When students are present and engaged, they build the skills, relationships, and knowledge needed to thrive both in school and beyond. Missing school—even just a few days—can have a lasting impact.
Why Attendance Is Important
How Families Can Help
Every school day is an opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. Let’s work together to make sure every student is present, engaged, and on the path to success—because in Southside ISD, every day truly counts.
As we get ready for the new school year, please take note of our updated campus start and end times for 2025–2026.
Please plan accordingly to ensure your student arrives on time and ready to learn. Let’s start the year strong!
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!
