Restore TECH Academy Opens San Antonio’s First Adult Charter High School

Restore Education, a local nonprofit that has spent nearly two decades helping adults earn GEDs and workforce certifications, is opening Restore TECH Academy, San Antonio’s first tuition-free public charter high school designed specifically for adults ages 18 to 50.

---

As reported by the San Antonio Report, the Texas Education Agency approved Restore Education’s adult charter school application in March after three application cycles, clearing the way for the academy to open at the nonprofit’s East Side campus at 4603 E. Houston St.

The first day of class is scheduled for August 17, 2026, and applications are now open.

A Second Chance to Earn a Diploma

Unlike GED programs, Restore TECH Academy allows eligible students to earn a traditional Texas high school diploma while also working toward college credit, industry certifications, and career training.

Students will receive individualized graduation plans based on the credits they’ve already earned, along with support from career and life coaches throughout the program.

“This is what we do best in terms of knowing how to serve adults and what they need,” Restore Education President and CEO Kelli Rhodes told the San Antonio Report.

Restore Education was founded in 2008 by Kelli Rhodes, her father John Rhodes, and her sister Kerri Rhodes. What began as a nonprofit helping young adults earn GEDs has expanded into English language instruction, college preparation, workforce development, and career training in more than 10 high-demand industries, all at no cost to students.

Today, the organization says it has served more than 21,000 students across San Antonio and works with more than 120 community partners to provide services ranging from transportation and childcare assistance to career placement.

Why Now?

Restore TECH Academy will become the fifth adult charter high school in Texas. While Texas authorized adult charter schools in 2013, nonprofit organizations only became eligible to apply for licenses in 2023. Restore Education submitted applications three years in a row before receiving approval.

The new school also comes as demand for adult education continues to grow.

Restore Education received more than 6,000 applications between July 2025 and June 2026, with several of its existing programs now operating waitlists. Organization leaders say the charter school will expand educational options for adults who never completed high school rather than replace existing GED or workforce programs.

“This is not a high school diploma versus a GED. It’s just another option,” founding superintendent Jeffrey Flores told The San Antonio Report. 

Designed for Adult Students

Although Restore TECH Academy operates as a public charter high school and must meet Texas graduation requirements, the school has been designed with adult learners in mind.

Classes will be offered on a flexible schedule, with instruction available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Most classes will be taught in person by state-certified teachers. Students will also have access to career coaching, dual-credit courses, workforce certifications, and wraparound support that may include transportation assistance, childcare assistance, and access to laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots.

Because students enter with different educational backgrounds, there’s no standard timeline for graduation. Some may need only a handful of credits to earn their diploma, while others may take longer to complete their coursework.

Who Can Apply?

Restore TECH Academy has space for approximately 400 students in its inaugural class.

To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 50 years old, not have earned a traditional high school diploma, and live in Texas.

Adults who have already earned a GED may also apply, although applicants without a high school diploma will receive priority during enrollment. Admission is determined through a lottery system similar to that of other public charter schools.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through the Restore TECH Academy website ahead of the school’s August 17 opening.