Original Research by School Decision on Strive Academy
STRIVE Academy is a small alternative school located in Selma, California, serving grades seven through twelve. The school operates within the Selma Unified School District and currently enrolls a very small number of students, with the largest enrollment in eleventh grade.
The student body is entirely Hispanic, and a substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant economic need in the enrolled population. Data on special education and English learner enrollment was not available for this school.
California state assessment results for STRIVE Academy have been suppressed, meaning the sample sizes are too small to report individually. This is common at very small schools or alternative programs where student counts may not meet reporting thresholds. As a result, there is no public proficiency data in English language arts, mathematics, or science to review. State testing data does not give a window into academic performance here, and a parent may want to ask the school directly about how student progress is measured and what academic outcomes look like for its graduates.
The school's status as an alternative program signals that it serves a distinct population and educational model compared to traditional public schools. Alternative schools often work with students who have not thrived in conventional settings, may be returning to complete a diploma, or need a different instructional approach. Without information on the school's specific mission, curriculum, and support structure, a parent considering this school would benefit from direct conversation with administrators about what the alternative model entails, how the school supports students to completion, and what post-secondary pathways students typically follow.
Housing in the Selma area is relatively affordable, with median home values and monthly rents both modest compared to statewide benchmarks. The cost of living is manageable for families, though a general obligation bond measure approved by district voters in November 2022 means that property owners within the district carry a lasting tax obligation to fund school facilities improvements.
The broader Selma Unified district has made curriculum and staffing changes worth noting. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, the district adopted a new Illustrative Mathematics curriculum for elementary grades, emphasizing conceptual understanding and explanation alongside problem-solving, aligning those students with the math approach already in place for middle grades. The district has also invested in community school liaisons and a Family Resource Center through state grants, and is preparing to open its first district-operated preschool program, expanding support services and early-learning access for local families.
For families considering STRIVE Academy, the core questions are best answered by the school itself: what alternative pathway does it offer, how does it track student learning and progress without publicly reported test results, what is the graduation outcome, and how does it prepare students for life after high school.
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