Great Hearts Western Hills

Great Hearts Western Hills is a K-11 charter school in San Antonio, TX, serving 1,326 students as part of the Great Hearts Texas district, which ranks in the top 23% of districts statewide and has earned a 4-star rating. The school stands out for its exceptional performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and Science, with 77.5% of students proficient in English I and 76.7% in Biology, far exceeding state averages of 55.4% and 70.5%, respectively. This academic strength is paired with a remarkably low dropout rate of just 0.3%, a stark contrast to nearby alternative schools like Reddix Center (9.3%) and Holmgreen Center (4.9%).

However, the school shows a notable weakness in mathematics, with only 22.8% of students proficient in Algebra I, well below the state average of 54.0%. This pattern has persisted for several years, suggesting a need for targeted math support. Performance also varies by grade level; for example, 5th and 8th graders excel in reading, while 3rd and 6th graders lag behind. Despite these challenges, Great Hearts Western Hills operates efficiently, spending just $8,955 per student—far less than peers like Alternative Center ($41,748) and Holmgreen Center ($85,836)—while still achieving strong outcomes in key subjects.

Compared to its closest neighbor, Harmony Science Academy (San Antonio), Great Hearts Western Hills outperforms in nearly every core subject, including English I (77.5% vs. 58.2%) and Biology (76.7% vs. 57.8%), even though Harmony serves a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students. This makes Great Hearts Western Hills a standout among San Antonio alternative schools, functioning more like a high-performing college-preparatory charter than a disciplinary or special education-focused program. Its combination of low spending, low dropout rates, and strong ELA and Science scores offers a compelling option for parents seeking academic rigor and efficiency.