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#1093 of 1,851 schools in VA

Richmond Alternative

High School · Richmond City Public Schools

119 West Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Enrollment

134

Student-Teacher

26.8:1

Score

5.9

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#1,093 of 1,851

In Richmond

#27 of 94

public schools

In district

#10 of 46

Richmond City Public Schools

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Excellent

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Richmond Alternative

5.9/10

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

George W. Carver Elementary

1.5/10

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

St Andrew's School

6.8/10

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

About Richmond Alternative

Richmond Alternative is a public high school in Richmond, VA, part of Richmond City Public Schools. Richmond Alternative serves approximately 134 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 26.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Richmond Alternative has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,093 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Richmond Alternative show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • District avg 6.9
  • VA avg 6.9

What Parents Should Know

At 134 students, Richmond Alternative 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.

Richmond Alternative 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress10.0Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change+4.48 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2021
TrendImproving
Academics5.0Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency65% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency82% (2021 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency74% (2021 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)90% (model expectation from 2021 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-16.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile31th
College Readiness6.4Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate64%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,413

Richmond Alternative — Students at Richmond Alternative score 74% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 90%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores VA EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 37.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 52.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A

Based on 25 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2009
Math
38%
ELA
42%
2010
Math
43%
ELA
42%
2011
Math
21%
ELA
37%
2012
Math
16%
ELA
27%
2013
Math
17%
ELA
7.5%
2014
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2015
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
70%
2017
ELA
77%
2018
Math
66%
ELA
83%
2019
Math
66%
ELA
83%
2020*
Math
65%
ELA
82%
2021*
Math
65%
ELA
82%

* 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: 10.0/10.

How Richmond Alternative Compares

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

Overall Score
5.9/10
41th percentile in VA
Academic
5.0/10
Average
Growth
10.0/10
Excellent
Environment
1.2/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

119 West Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Richmond Alternative may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Open High (rated 9.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Richmond Community High (rated 9.2/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Richmond, see our Richmond schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
George W. Carver Elementary Richmond 0.5 mi 1.5
ST ANDREW'S SCHOOL Richmond 0.8 mi 6.8
Open High Richmond 1.0 mi 9.7
ORCHARD HOUSE SCHOOL Richmond 1.1 mi 6.3
SEVEN HILLS SCHOOL Richmond 1.3 mi 6.8
Dogwood Middle Richmond 1.2 mi 3.6
Martin Luther King Jr. Early Learning Center Richmond 1.2 mi 5.0
METROPOLITAN DAY SCHOOL Richmond 1.5 mi
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle Richmond 1.3 mi 2.5
Overby-Sheppard Elementary Richmond 1.4 mi 4.2
CENTRAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF VIRGINIA Richmond 1.4 mi 7.3
Richmond Community High Richmond 1.6 mi 9.2
Barack Obama Elementary Richmond 1.7 mi 4.3
Bellevue Elementary Richmond 1.6 mi 3.1
William Fox Elementary Richmond 1.5 mi 5.2
Maymont Pre-K Center Richmond 1.7 mi 6.7
Amelia Street Special Education Richmond 1.8 mi
VERITAS SCHOOL Richmond 2.1 mi 5.9
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Richmond 2.2 mi 6.9
GEARA GROUP/EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER Richmond 1.9 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 23220 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,681

Median Home Value

$468,900

Median Rent

$1,354/mo

Population

34,524

College Educated

58.9%

Homeownership

32.8%

Avg Commute

18.5 min

Poverty Rate

26.6%

Median Age

28.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Twin Valley High Pilgrim Knob, VA 5.9
MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY Woodstock, VA 6.3
CHATHAM HALL Chatham, VA 7.3
THE NEW SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA Fairfax, VA 7.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Richmond Alternative

What grades does Richmond Alternative serve?

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

How many students attend Richmond Alternative?

Richmond Alternative has an enrollment of approximately 134 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Richmond Alternative?

The student-teacher ratio at Richmond Alternative 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 Richmond Alternative rank in VA?

Richmond Alternative ranks #1,093 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Richmond Alternative's MySchoolScout rating?

Richmond Alternative has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Richmond Alternative?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Richmond Alternative has 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

Is Richmond Alternative a charter school?

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

Is Richmond Alternative a Title I school?

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

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
94 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
61 Good Transit
Bike Score
76 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
134
Student-Teacher Ratio
26.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
5
Type
alternative
Setting
Midsize City
County
Richmond city
4-Year Graduation
64.0%

District

Richmond City Public Schools
District Enrollment
20,819
Schools in District
54
Per-Pupil Spending
$21,413
District Rank
#10 of 46

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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