Original Research by School Decision on Comal Academy
Comal Academy is a small alternative high school serving juniors and seniors in New Braunfels. Its enrollment is small, with slightly more seniors than juniors across the two grade bands. A substantial share of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. The school's demographic makeup is split between Hispanic and white students, with a very small number of Asian, Black, and American Indian students.
On state assessments in 2024-25, Comal Academy's overall proficiency across all subjects shows a mixed picture. In English language arts, performance is notably weak, with most students falling below the "meets" standard. Mathematics results are even more constrained, with no students reaching proficiency at any level. Science is the school's stronger subject area by a substantial margin, with the majority of students reaching at least the "approaches" level and a meaningful portion meeting or mastering the standard. Across all subjects combined, about a quarter of students are meeting the standard, while a similar share falls into the "approaches" category.
Because Comal Academy serves only grades eleven and twelve, no graduation rate data is available from the state. Similarly, chronic absenteeism and other school-environment metrics were not reported, which is typical for alternative school settings that may track and report such information differently than traditional high schools.
A parent considering Comal Academy should recognize this as an alternative pathway for students in their final two years of high school, not a traditional comprehensive high school. The English and mathematics results in particular merit a direct conversation with school staff about instructional approach, student population, and any supports or credit-recovery programs the school offers. The relative strength in science may reflect the school's mission or student body composition and is worth understanding in context.
New Braunfels itself is experiencing rapid residential growth, especially along the IH-35 corridor. Housing costs have remained relatively stable, though property appraisals are rising steadily as development continues. The broader Comal Independent School District has undertaken major bond-funded expansion in recent years, opening new elementary, middle, and high school campuses to relieve overcrowding. The district has also made repeated attendance boundary changes as enrollment shifts. Property tax rates have been declining, though rising appraisals can still push actual tax bills upward for homeowners. For a family evaluating Comal Academy, understanding the district's growth and capacity dynamics helps frame the school's role within a larger system undergoing significant change.
See more original research from School Decision →