Needs Improvement
#8538 of 8,552 schools in TX
Rice Challenge Academy
High School · RICE CISD
P O BOX 338, Altair, TX 77412
Enrollment
107
Student-Teacher
26.8:1
Score
1.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
107
Student-Teacher
26.8:1
Score
1.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Texas schools
#8,538 of 8,552
In Altair
#7 of 7
public schools
In district
#7 of 7
RICE CISD
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Rice Challenge Academy
High School in Altair · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Eagle Lake Pri
1.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Eagle Lake Int
1.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Rice Challenge Academy
Rice Challenge Academy is a public high school in Altair, TX, part of RICE CISD. Rice Challenge Academy serves approximately 107 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 26.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Rice Challenge Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 1.9 out of 10 and ranks #8,538 of 8,552 schools in TX.
Structured state assessment records for Rice Challenge Academy show 14% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2021) and 27% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2021).
- This school 1.9 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.8
- TX avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
At 107 students, Rice Challenge Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Rice Challenge Academy runs 26.8:1 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.
Rice Challenge Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Rice Challenge Academy — Students at Rice Challenge Academy score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 14 test records from TX state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 1.3/10.
How Rice Challenge Academy Compares
See how Rice Challenge Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
P O BOX 338, Altair, TX 77412
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Rice Challenge Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. EAST BERNARD H S (rated 7.8/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby East Bernard), which scores notably higher. Another option is COLUMBUS H S (rated 7.7/10, 16.9 miles away, in nearby Columbus), which scores notably higher. Additionally, BRAZOS H S (rated 6.7/10, 17.5 miles away, in nearby Wallis), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Altair, see our Altair schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| EAGLE LAKE PRI Altair | 1.5 mi | 5.7 |
| EAGLE LAKE INT Altair | 1.7 mi | 8.0 |
| GARWOOD EL Altair | 10.0 mi | 7.5 |
| RICE H S Altair | 11.2 mi | 5.7 |
| RICE JH Altair | 11.2 mi | 5.3 |
| SEALY H S Sealy | 15.7 mi | 6.2 |
| SELMAN EL Sealy | 16.0 mi | 5.7 |
| ST ANTHONY SCHOOL Columbus | 15.9 mi | 5.6 |
| COLUMBUS EL Columbus | 15.9 mi | 6.5 |
| SEALY J H Sealy | 16.8 mi | 5.3 |
| COLUMBUS CROSSING H S Columbus | 16.0 mi | — |
| EAST BERNARD EL East Bernard | 15.7 mi | 7.5 |
| EAST BERNARD H S East Bernard | 15.7 mi | 7.8 |
| EAST BERNARD J H East Bernard | 15.7 mi | 8.0 |
| COLUMBUS J H Columbus | 16.6 mi | 6.8 |
| SEALY EL Sealy | 17.7 mi | 9.0 |
| COLUMBUS H S Columbus | 16.9 mi | 7.7 |
| BRAZOS H S Wallis | 17.5 mi | 6.7 |
| BRAZOS MIDDLE Wallis | 17.5 mi | 8.4 |
| WHARTON H S Wharton | 22.2 mi | 5.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 77412 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Population
10
College Educated
50%
Homeownership
100%
Poverty Rate
0%
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| LIGHTHOUSE HIGH San Antonio, TX | 2.1 |
| PACE CENTER Pearland, TX | 2.1 |
| PREMIER H S - HOUSTON - HOBBY Lewisville, TX | 2.1 |
| PREMIER H S - CORPUS CHRISTI Lewisville, TX | 2.5 |
| LONE STAR H S WEST Brownwood, TX | 2.6 |
| PREMIER H S HOUSTON GALLERY NORTH Lewisville, TX | 2.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rice Challenge Academy
What grades does Rice Challenge Academy serve?
Rice Challenge Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Rice Challenge Academy?
Rice Challenge Academy has an enrollment of approximately 107 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Rice Challenge Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Rice Challenge Academy is 26.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Rice Challenge Academy rank in TX?
Rice Challenge Academy ranks #8,538 of 8,552 schools in TX.
What is Rice Challenge Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Rice Challenge Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 1.9 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 Rice Challenge Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Rice Challenge Academy has 14% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2021) and 27% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2021).
Is Rice Challenge Academy a charter school?
No, Rice Challenge Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Rice Challenge Academy a Title I school?
No, Rice Challenge Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rice Challenge Academy?
97.2% of students at Rice Challenge Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 107
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 26.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 4
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.2%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Colorado County
- Phone
- (979) 234-3531
Resources & Links
District
RICE CISD- District Enrollment
- 1,315
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,757
- District Rank
- #7 of 7
Other Schools in This District
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