Carver Alter Learning Center

Carver Alter Learning Center is a small, alternative high school in San Angelo, TX, serving 31 students in grades 6-12 within the San Angelo Independent School District (Isd), a district ranked in the 29th percentile statewide.

This school is fundamentally different from traditional high schools in the area. It functions as an intensive intervention center for students who have struggled in conventional settings, which is reflected in its extremely low student-to-teacher ratio of 6.2:1 and exceptionally high per-pupil spending of $36,454—over four times more than Central High School ($8,721) and over three times more than Lake View High School ($10,265). While this massive investment in individualized support has not translated into high test scores—with proficiency rates often near 0% compared to district and state averages—the school has achieved a remarkable 0.0% dropout rate for the past five years. This is a critical success metric, especially when compared to nearby alternative schools like Premier H S - San Angelo, which has a 1.0% dropout rate.

The school’s primary value is not measured by standardized tests but by its ability to keep a highly vulnerable population engaged in education. While most academic scores are critically low, there are occasional bright spots, such as a 50% proficiency rate in English II Reading in the 2022-2023 school year, suggesting that when conditions align, the school can achieve meaningful success. For parents considering this option, the key takeaway is that Carver Alter prioritizes student retention and re-engagement over high-stakes test performance, making it a unique and essential resource for students who need a different path to stay in school.