The top reported proficiency rate is 0% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Alternative Center
# ALTERNATIVE CENTER
Alternative Center is a small alternative school serving grades six through ten within Edgewood ISD, located in the southwest San Antonio neighborhood where it operates. The school enrolls a very small student population, nearly all of whom qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and all of whom identify as Hispanic.
The school's academic profile is limited in scope and reflects the specialized mission typical of alternative schools. State testing data shows results only for seventh grade in math and English language arts; other grade levels tested do not meet the threshold for public reporting. In the one reported grade, seventh-grade proficiency in both math and English stood at zero percent. The small enrollment—particularly in the tested grades—means these results carry substantial year-to-year variability and should be understood in context of the school's role and population rather than treated as stable measures. A parent investigating this school would benefit from asking directly about the kinds of students the school serves, what behavioral or academic factors lead to placement, and what remediation or credit recovery pathways students follow.
The student body is uniformly Hispanic and economically vulnerable. Housing in the 78237 zip code where the school sits is substantially below the Texas state average in value and reflects an older, more economically pressed neighborhood. Rent in the area runs modest compared to newer San Antonio suburbs, though shelter costs consume a meaningful portion of household income for renters.
Edgewood ISD, the school's parent district, has undergone significant restructuring. The district closed two schools in 2023 and currently serves students across about twenty schools and programs after years of enrollment decline driven by demographic change and competition from charter schools. More recently, the board approved a partnership with a charter operator to manage Brentwood Middle School, signaling ongoing governance and instructional shifts. At the same time, the district has introduced choice-based "Schools of Innovation" models, including single-gender leadership campuses and dual-language academies, to differentiate its offerings. Seven district campuses, including Brentwood Middle School, were required by the Texas Education Agency to implement turnaround plans following the 2024-25 ratings cycle, indicating systemic pressure on academic performance across the district.
For a family considering Alternative Center, the relevant question is whether the school's alternative model and small scale align with a student's learning or behavioral needs and whether the available remediation and credit recovery support can move the student toward grade-level work and eventual graduation. The district's broader instability and the school's very thin testing data make it important to have detailed conversations with school staff about student outcomes, staff continuity, and what progression looks like for students who complete their years at Alternative Center.
See more original research from School Decision →