Original Research by School Decision on New Alternative School
New Alternative School is an alternative public school serving grades four through nine, located at 102 West Highway 87 in Smiley, in Gonzales County. It is part of Stockdale Independent School District.
The school is extremely small, with an enrollment of just a couple of students, and all of them are Hispanic. State testing data, graduation rates, and chronic absenteeism metrics are not available, which is typical for alternative schools serving small, specialized populations. The school's grade band and alternative designation mean it does not participate in the standard accountability structure that shapes comparisons among county districts.
Because New Alternative School serves only a handful of students across a wide grade span, a parent or resident considering this option would need to contact the school or district directly to understand its specific academic pathway, teaching model, and target population. Alternative schools typically serve students who have had difficulty in traditional settings, students pursuing accelerated or self-paced learning, students with specific behavioral or health needs, or those working toward re-engagement with schooling. The details of what academic and social supports New Alternative School offers are not reflected in available public data.
The wider context is Smiley itself, a small rural town in southwestern Gonzales County with a declining population and an aging housing stock. Most residents own their homes. Housing values in the area are moderate. The school district has been growing, however: in May 2026, voters approved a bond to fund a new elementary wing and band hall to accommodate rising enrollment. This suggests the district is investing in permanent facilities expansion, a sign of institutional confidence in its future trajectory despite the town's slow overall population decline.
For families in the area, school facilities are spread between Smiley and Nixon, the district's main base about eight miles west. New Alternative School's Smiley location on the highway corridor makes it accessible by car. Beyond that, whether this school is the right fit depends on what specific student needs or learning goals a family has in mind. A parent weighing enrollment would benefit from a direct conversation with school administration about curriculum, the student body it serves, and how it differs from the traditional elementary and middle-school options nearby.
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