Alternative School

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL is a small rural institution located in Lesterville, Missouri, serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of just 38 students and a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, the school provides personalized attention and support to each child. The setting is remote and rural, offering a close-knit community atmosphere where every student is known by name.

While academic performance scores are currently modest, with only 8% proficiency in both ELA/Reading and Math, the school focuses on supporting students' development through individualized learning plans. With just two full-time equivalent teachers, Alternative School tailors its approach to meet each student's unique needs, fostering a nurturing environment for growth. Alternative School sits in Reynolds County, where community bonds are strong and every member plays an active role in students’ education and well-being.

With an enrollment of 38 students, Alternative School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

While current test scores at Alternative School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Located in a rural area, Alternative School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.