Original Research by School Decision on Nixon-smiley Pace
Nixon-Smiley PACE is an alternative high school serving grades nine through twelve in Smiley, a small rural town in southwestern Gonzales County, Texas. The school's current enrollment data shows zero students reported, which indicates the school is either not currently operating or is in a transitional state. This is important context for any parent or resident considering this option.
The school operates within the Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District, a district serving both Smiley and the neighboring town of Nixon, about eight miles away. The high school campus itself sits in Nixon at a location north of town, not in Smiley proper. As an alternative school, PACE is designed to serve students whose needs fall outside the traditional high school environment, whether due to prior academic struggles, behavioral issues, credit recovery, or other circumstances that make a smaller, more flexible setting appropriate.
State assessment data, graduation rates, attendance metrics, and chronic absenteeism rates were not available for this school. This absence of reported metrics is typical for alternative schools and schools with very small enrollments; these schools often fall outside the standard testing and reporting structures that apply to traditional comprehensive high schools. A parent interested in understanding the academic pathway and completion outcomes would want to contact the school directly to discuss how coursework is structured, what diploma options are available, how credits transfer, and what support services exist for students working toward graduation.
The district itself has invested significantly in its infrastructure and programs. In May 2023, voters approved a major bond package that included new Career and Technical Education facilities, alongside agricultural science buildings and athletic upgrades. A new CTE building with an estimated completion in fall 2025 and a dedicated agricultural barn provide hands-on learning pathways in trades and applied fields. These additions signal the district's commitment to expanding pathway options beyond traditional academics, which may be relevant if PACE offers or connects to any of these CTE or applied learning courses.
The broader economic and housing context shows Smiley as a place with below-average household incomes, modest home values, and a slowly declining population over decades. Most residents own their homes, and the town has a significant retiree population. Housing stock is older and relatively modest in price, and recent estimates show population growth near zero. This is a rural, working-class community with limited new development. For families in Smiley or the surrounding area, the Nixon-Smiley district is the only K-12 option; there is no choice among districts.
The district's property tax rate decreased slightly in the 2023-24 school year despite the major bond approval, as the district pledged not to raise the rate to finance the new facilities, citing early debt repayment, 2020 refinancing, and anticipated revenue from solar farms. This approach held the line on property tax burden while making the capital investment, which was directly relevant to families considering moving to the area.
Any family considering PACE would be wise to contact the school and district to understand current enrollment, the academic and support services available, and how the school fits into the broader district's pathway system, particularly as new CTE and agricultural facilities come online. The school's capacity and actual student load are not transparent from the available data, so a direct conversation with administration would be essential before making any enrollment decision.
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