Original Research by School Decision on Alvin V Anderson Rise Academy
Alvin V Anderson RISE Academy is a small alternative high school serving grades nine through twelve in Tyler, operating as a public school within Tyler ISD. Located at 2800 W Shaw St, it enroll a small number of students, with a larger share in grades eleven and twelve than in the lower high school grades. The school serves a student body with high economic need; a substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. The enrollment is predominantly Hispanic and Black, with smaller shares of White students and students identifying as two or more races, and no reported enrollment of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or American Indian and Alaska Native students.
State assessment data from 2024-25 shows a mixed academic picture. Across all tested subjects, about three-quarters of students approached the proficiency standard, while about one-third met it and a small share mastered it. Performance varies significantly by subject. In science, all students reached the "approaches" level, with a majority meeting proficiency and a smaller share achieving mastery. Math performance shows roughly two-thirds meeting the approaches threshold but zero students reaching the meets or masters levels. English language arts presents a notable challenge, with about half the students at the approaches level, very few meeting proficiency, and none achieving mastery. Social studies data was suppressed, likely due to the small cohort size. Parents looking for a sense of overall mastery-level performance may want to inquire further with the school, as the state data shows no students meeting the highest performance tier in English or math.
As an alternative school, RISE Academy serves a different function than traditional high schools. The school type itself indicates it likely serves students with nontraditional pathways, which may include students who have struggled in conventional settings, face barriers to attendance, or need flexibility in their educational program. The small enrollment allows for more individualized attention but also limits the breadth of course offerings and peer groups that a larger school can provide. Families considering an alternative school are typically doing so by design, recognizing that a smaller, specialized setting may better suit their student's learning needs or circumstances than a traditional comprehensive high school would.
State testing data was available only for this single year, so trends cannot be assessed. Information about graduation rates, program offerings, staffing, attendance patterns, discipline policies, or special programs and services was not available in the school data provided. Parents interested in this school would benefit from directly contacting the campus to learn about its specific mission, daily schedule, course pathways, support services for students who may be behind academically, and how families can be involved. Tyler ISD as a district has invested in new facilities and bond-funded improvements over recent years and is implementing targeted turnaround models at campuses with lower accountability ratings; understanding how RISE Academy fits into the district's broader strategy and what resources support it would help families make an informed decision.
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