Richmond Alternative School

Set in Richmond, Virginia, Richmond Alternative School is a very small four-year high school, run under Richmond City Public Schools. It serves 277 students across grades 6 through 12. Compared to the state average of about 1,213 students per school, that is 77% below typical.

Richmond Alternative School is one of 47 schools operated by Richmond City Public Schools, a district that teaches 20,962 students overall.

On demographics, Richmond Alternative School reports that 68% of the student body identifies as Black; the rest comes out to 29% Hispanic. That is meaningfully more Black than the county at large, where the share is closer to 41%.

In terms of school funding signals, Richmond Alternative School reports 33 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 8.3:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 13.9:1, putting Richmond Alternative School tighter than the state norm the norm.

In the area at large, the surrounding county (Richmond city) records that median household earnings sit near $64,587, roughly 46% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and roughly 12% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Richmond Alternative School is one of 61 public schools in Richmond city (combined enrollment of about 20,253 students).

The closest other public school is George W. Carver Elementary, roughly 0.5 miles away. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools.

The school occupies a high-density site.

Looking at the recent track record. Over the past 7-year window, the student count edged down 72%: 983 students in 2018 compared to 277 in 2025. White enrollment moved from 52% to 1% across the same window. The student-to-teacher ratio pulled in from 130.4:1 in 2018 to 8.3:1 today.

Inside the community feed, recent activity here tends to focus on classroom updates, athletics, and weather closures. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.