William Handmaker, Head of School, Keystone School
William Handmaker, head of school at Keystone School, spoke with Invest: about the unique ways Keystone’s students stand above the crowd. “We emphasize a high-level, challenging educational program in an environment where we care for every student individually. We teach each child that they matter not just from a performative aspect, but who they are as individuals.”
What highlights and milestones can you share from the last 12 months?
The class of 2024 had outstanding college acceptances with $9 million in scholarships. 20% were accepted to Ivy League, Ivy Plus, or service academies. 97% attended top regional or national universities. We launched a new exchange program with a school in Mexico City, where we invited 10 of their middle schoolers to learn here and immerse themselves in Keystone and San Antonio. Two weeks later, our 8th graders spent a week in Mexico City. The program is designed to foster global connections and cross-cultural learning. We expanded our outdoor K-12 education program, which is unique to our school. Grades K-3 explore local educational sites. Grades 4-7 take overnight trips across Texas, and grades 8-12 travel to national parks across the United States. We introduced new classes in human physiology and modern global issues in food, which explores the history of food production and consumption through a global lens. We expanded our wellness program, including hiring age-specific counselors. Our mantra is “Doing Well By Being Well.” Students do best when they feel physically and emotionally safe. We also introduced a new cell phone policy that has received an overwhelmingly positive response from families and faculty. K-8 students are not allowed to have cell phones on campus. Our policy for students in grades 9-12 is to significantly restrict access to their devices. Students and teachers have commented on how this policy has improved their learning by reducing distractions.
What makes San Antonio an ideal location for Keystone School, and how does Keystone differentiate itself from other institutions in the region?
We offer a nationally recognized academic program. Our students are pursued by the finest colleges and universities across the globe because we emphasize a high-level, challenging educational program in an environment where we care for every student individually. We teach each child that they matter not just from a performative aspect, but also who they are as individuals. In San Antonio, we have students coming from all over the world. We are much more diverse than most independent schools, creating an exciting and enriching place. We all learn from each other and grow together from the experience of being around different kinds of people.
Are there any specific opportunities you see for growth and specific trends impacting your choices in curriculum?
We are happy with our current size because students and teachers get to know each other well. We’re able to preserve strong relationships and a personalized education. A few key issues exist. We are monitoring the impact of AI on learning. As AI becomes more prominent, we are looking at how to teach children to use AI ethically and with integrity. Many independent schools are watching the effects of voucher legislation and the ways vouchers will affect all other schools. Lastly, we want to teach students to be engaged citizens in an age of increased polarization.
How is Keystone School emphasizing STEM education?
We are developing a building that would be for STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The greatest inventions came about through the interrelationship between STEM and the humanities, and they cannot exist in a mutually isolated way. We teach children that math and art borrow from each other, and the lines we have drawn between the two are arbitrary and prevent us from achieving our best. We challenge our students to take STEM a step further and look at the world of STEAM. Leonardo da Vinci perfected his art by studying perspective using his knowledge of math. It is a natural connection.
Are there any partnerships with local industries to support students in engaging in the different sectors and address workforce needs?
We have several partnerships with for-profit and nonprofit organizations that manifest themselves through internships and employment opportunities across San Antonio. This year, we’ve partnered with Respite Care, which is close enough for students to walk to during the day. Students can volunteer at Respite Care during the school day, and children from Respite Care come to the school in the summer for an art camp. Our community partnerships reinforce our Cobra Code core values: empathy, creativity, curiosity, integrity, and service.
How are you addressing the need to attract and retain the right teachers?
Keystone has a long-standing reputation as a wonderful place to teach. Teachers typically only leave here due to relocation or retirement. Whenever we have an opening, we draw high-quality applicants locally, nationally, and sometimes internationally. People want to teach here.
Given the current economic conditions with inflation and student debt, how is Keystone helping students afford their education?
We provide tuition assistance starting in kindergarten. We aim to enroll students who will benefit from the experience and enrich the community. Assistance is funded partially through philanthropy to directly support the students. For example, we have an Annual Food and Drink Festival that raises money for the school. We hold the event on campus to minimize overhead and maximize proceeds.
What is your outlook for the school and top priorities over the next two to three years?
The outlook for Keystone is bright. We continue to attract supportive families with children who are motivated and do excellent work academically and in the community. We are always questioning ourselves and striving to be better. We don’t sit on our laurels in spite of our strong reputation. One goal is to develop the STEAM center and help students learn the interrelated nature between STEM fields and the humanities. We will continue to teach students to integrate AI and technology into education while preserving academic integrity. We want to expand extracurricular and academic programs that foster well-being and personal growth. We are committed to evolution rather than revolution, building on what has brought us to this point and making it better.
I feel fortunate to be at Keystone School, and it’s exciting to be in a dynamic city like San Antonio, where the work we are doing at the school mirrors what is happening in the city. Our school’s mission and momentum align with the city’s energy and momentum.
