“There are many reasons why students come to us,” says Isai Melgoza, Counselor/Mentor at Por Vida Academy Charter High School. It doesn’t matter how they get here, whatever their circumstance, how complex their story, we open our doors and invite them in. We offer them support and guidance in a variety of ways--all to make sure these young people earn a high school diploma and plan for a successful future.”
Raven was 14 when her son Isaiah Jr. was born. She struggled with missingschool--taking days off to accompany Isaiah to doctors’ appointments and otherchild related responsibilities. “As a result, I ended up getting kicked out ofthe school district, not just the high school I was attending, but the wholedistrict,” Raven Ortegon-Hernandez states. “Thehigh school I was attending at the time didn't bother listening to mysituation, but Por Vida Academy did. So I enrolled at PVA and they understandwhat it is like to have certain situations going on at home. In additionthey helped me to be able to graduate early at the age of 16 years old. Theyare the only school that has ever listened to my situation and they worked withme the whole way through. Por Vida Academy will not only change your attitudebut it will also change your life.”
"At Por Vida Academy I can go at my own pace,”say Isaiah Ramirez, Isaiah Jr.’s father, also a PVA student. “The student toteacher ratio is smaller so it’s easier to get help and understand thesubjects. I have struggled in school ever since I was little and here I ammoving up from freshman to sophomore and I’m only halfway through the schoolyear. Por Vida Academy is the best school I have ever gone to."
In addition to working on their academics, Raven and Isaiah participate in youth character development programs Xinachtli (for girls) and El Joven Nobles (for
For more than 23years, Por Vida Academy Charter High School (PVA) has helped thousands of young women andmen earn high school diplomas and prepare for college. This unique San Antoniocharter school continues to specifically and intentionally meet the varyingeducational and emotional needs of teens on the verge of permanently droppingout of school. Powerful, life-changing education is happening here.
As the San Antonio River flows just on the outskirts of the property, an underlying current of generosity runs through the campus of Blessed Sacrament Academy. It’s a generosity born of God’s love and manifested in the Sisters of Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. From their founding of the campus in 1926, and throughout the 93 years since, people have come to the campus both in joy and in need receiving a heartfelt response from the Sisters and those on staff.
Blessed Sacrament Academy began as an all-girls high school and continued as such for over 60 years. In the early 1990’s, programs were developed to meet the needs of a changing neighborhood establishing the Child Development Center, Por Vida Academy Charter High School, and Parents' Academy.The history of generosity at BSA can be told thru recalling the many times the campus was used as a refuge—from tragedies of war or natural upheavals, personal or family difficulties. Throughout the years, the campus community continues to be education-centered, but it's not just about the high school students, children enrolled in the CDC or parents attending the Parents' Academy. The generosity of resources, encouragement, support, and prayers extend to alumni, families, and even strangers who find themselves on campus.Sister Odilia Korenek, CEO of Blessed Sacrament Academy, speaks to recent events which demonstrate the generosity of resources and spirit: “Saturday of the 3rd week of October was special at Blessed Sacrament Academy. The strong voices of men sounded throughout the convent building. In word and in the song The San Jose ACTS Group prayed and shared in the presence of a very large cross which they brought up the back stairs into our chapel in the early morning. The blessing was palpable.”“On the other side of the driveway” Sr. Odilia continues, "the American Indians of Texas came for a weekend of learning and prayer. Again, we were blessed. This time it was with a traditional fire and smoke ceremony as they moved from building to building giving a blessing dating back hundreds of years. The ancient words of the ancient One to Moses come to mind - “This is Holy Ground”.”
Joe Dominguez is a parent of one of our pre-school students and attended Parent's Academy. He and his family are very active on our campus, lending a helping hand any chance they get. Dominguez visits the chapel every morning with a contagious smile and often says, "Blessed Sacrament Academy is my second home!"We extend an invitation to visit our campus, learn about our programs, join us in extending our mission.
Blue Flores graduated from Por Vida Academy at the age of 16, knocked out a two year degree as a distinguished graduate from Palo Alto College in one year. All the while, Flores interned at a nonprofit, continued volunteering in campus Student Leadership, was part of National Honor Society, and held two part-time jobs. He is not done yet, as he began classes as a UTSA Roadrunner in the fall of 2018.
For more than 23 years, 
While Idar was in school and now on the job, her daughter Isabella has been cared for by the staff at the 
“Whatever the situation, when a teen comes to our front door, we invite them in,” said Mr. Isai Melgoza, school counselor. “The staff and teachers here at Por Vida Academy don’t look at what happened at any previous school or schools, only how the path ahead can lead to success for this student.”But it’s about more than just more than just earning a high school diploma. Teachers and mentors, some former PVA students, encourage all students to continue on to college. In addition to helping with forms and financial aid, there are sponsored and personal college visits.Martinez graduated from Por Vida Academy in 2016 and is currently close to finishing a nursing program at San Antonio College. From there he will continue his education at a college or university to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. “I just wanted a career that would allow me to help people,” Martinez declared.Thanks to Timothy Martinez for stopping by to share his success story. To learn more about the opportunities at Por Vida Academy call: 210.775.1132