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Below Average

#8369 of 9,539 schools in CA

Liberty Alternative

High School · San Jose Unified

4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose, CA 95136

Enrollment

362

Student-Teacher

30.2:1

Score

4.2

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,369 of 9,539

In San Jose

#188 of 223

public schools

In district

#34 of 41

San Jose Unified

Academic growth

9.7 / 10

Excellent

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Liberty Alternative

4.2/10

High School in San Jose · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Holy Family School

6.2/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Gunderson High

6.6/10

0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Liberty Alternative

Liberty Alternative is a public high school in San Jose, CA, part of San Jose Unified. Liberty Alternative serves approximately 362 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 30.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Liberty Alternative has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #8,369 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Liberty Alternative show 5% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 18% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.2 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Liberty Alternative sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Liberty Alternative runs 30.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

75% of students at Liberty Alternative were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.7Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change+0.6 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics1.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency0.9% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency13% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-30.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-34.3 pts
Overall Proficiency7% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-31.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile3th
College Readiness3.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate67%
AP Participation2.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio30.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,909
Chronic Absenteeism74.9%

Liberty Alternative — Students at Liberty Alternative score 7% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

63%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 5.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 18.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
49.1% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 29 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
5%
ELA
12%
2010
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2011
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2015
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2016
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2018
Math
2.5%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
2.5%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%
2022
Math
31.7%
ELA
37.2%
2024
Math
0.7%
ELA
11.6%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.7/10.

How Liberty Alternative Compares

See how Liberty Alternative performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
12th percentile in CA
Academic
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
9.7/10
Excellent
Environment
1.3/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.6
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
63%
Teaching Staff
30:1 student-teacher ratio
12 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
74.9%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
2.8% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose, CA 95136

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Liberty Alternative may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pioneer High (rated 7.5/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Gunderson High (rated 6.6/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Broadway High (rated 4.7/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in San Jose, see our San Jose schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL San Jose 0.1 mi 6.2
Gunderson High San Jose 0.6 mi 6.6
Terrell Elementary San Jose 0.7 mi 3.7
Cambrian Academy San Jose 0.7 mi
ONE WORLD MONTESSORI SCHOOL San Jose 0.8 mi 6.0
Rachel Carson Elementary San Jose 0.8 mi 4.5
One World Montessori School San Jose 0.9 mi
Broadway High San Jose 0.8 mi 4.7
Allen at Steinbeck San Jose 1.1 mi 4.2
John Muir Middle San Jose 1.0 mi 6.9
ACTION DAY PRIMARY PLUS ALLEN SCHOOL San Jose 1.3 mi 2.5
Action Day Schools - Allen San Jose 1.3 mi
THE LEARNING COMPANY & ACADEMY San Jose 1.2 mi
Hacienda Science/Environmental Magnet San Jose 1.1 mi 6.8
Parkview Elementary San Jose 1.3 mi 4.3
Almaden Elementary San Jose 1.3 mi 5.5
Pioneer High San Jose 1.4 mi 7.5
SECOND START-PINE HILL SCHOOL San Jose 1.3 mi 7.7
Pine Hill School (Second Start Learning Disabilities) San Jose 1.3 mi
ONE WORLD MONTESSORI SCHOOL San Jose 1.4 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95136 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$143,696

Median Home Value

$1,104,300

Median Rent

$2,750/mo

Population

47,157

College Educated

46.5%

Homeownership

58.7%

Avg Commute

30.6 min

Poverty Rate

8.2%

Median Age

36.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Contra Costa School of Performing Arts Walnut Creek, CA 4.2
Foothill High San Jose, CA 4.2
Public Safety Academy San Bernardino, CA 4.2
VINCENT MEMORIAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Calexico, CA 4.2
Altus Schools South Bay Chula Vista, CA 4.3
El Camino High (Continuation) La Mirada, CA 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Liberty Alternative

What grades does Liberty Alternative serve?

Liberty Alternative serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Liberty Alternative?

Liberty Alternative has an enrollment of approximately 362 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Liberty Alternative?

The student-teacher ratio at Liberty Alternative is 30.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Liberty Alternative rank in CA?

Liberty Alternative ranks #8,369 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Liberty Alternative's MySchoolScout rating?

Liberty Alternative has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Liberty Alternative?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Liberty Alternative has 5% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 18% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Liberty Alternative a charter school?

No, Liberty Alternative is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Liberty Alternative a Title I school?

No, Liberty Alternative is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Liberty Alternative?

63.0% of students at Liberty Alternative qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
70 Very Walkable
Transit Score
43 Some Transit
Bike Score
79 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
362
Student-Teacher Ratio
30.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
12
Free/Reduced Lunch
63.0%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large City
County
Santa Clara County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
74.9%
4-Year Graduation
67.0%

District

San Jose Unified
District Enrollment
25,059
Schools in District
41
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,909
District Rank
#34 of 41

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

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