Mojave River Academy - National Trails

Mojave River Academy - National Trails is a K-12 alternative public school in Colton, California, serving approximately 800 students, many of whom come from high-need backgrounds and may not have thrived in traditional school settings.

The school has a significant strength in student attendance, with a chronic absenteeism rate of only 6.2%, which is far better than the state average and most similar schools like Vista Norte Public Charter or Anderson. However, academic proficiency rates in English, math, and science are very low, and the school's graduation rate, while improving, is below average with a high dropout rate. This creates a complex picture where students are showing up but struggling to achieve academic success at expected levels.

Compared to nearby alternative schools, Mojave River Academy operates with significantly fewer resources per student and a higher student-teacher ratio. For instance, Washington High, another alternative school in Colton, spends more per student, has a much lower student-teacher ratio, and achieves higher graduation rates. The analysis suggests the school is dedicated to its vulnerable student population but faces clear challenges in academic achievement and student retention that may be linked to its resource levels.