July 11, 2013 by Shelby Joe

Alexander Smith Academy

Founded in 1968, David J. Arnold acquired and reincorporated the school in 1973 as a private for-profit company. The school gained full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1976 and from the Texas Education Agency in 1984. Alexander Smith Academy (ASA) stresses its small class size, usually 5-7 students, and individualized attention as its unique selling point.

Alexander Smith Academy

10255 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77042 Mr. David Arnold, President

713-266-0920 Ms. Margaret Waldner De La Garza, Principal

www.AlexanderSmith.com

Religious Affiliation

None.

Location and Facilities

ASA is located near the intersection of Richmond Avenue and the Sam Houston Tollway. It is located in a multi-story office building and includes a library. Adjacent properties are also commercial buildings. The school is easily accessible via both the Sam Houston and Westpark Tollways.

Admissions

The admissions process at ASA is straightforward. Interested applicants need only submit the application, current transcript, report cards, and a non-refundable deposit of $300.

Academic Tracks and Curriculum

The school features very small classes, generally between five and seven students. Overall enrollment in grades 9-12 is limited to just 70 students. In spite of its small size, it does offer on-track, honors, and Advanced Placement classes. The ASA school day is primarily Monday through Thursday; Friday is reserved for enrichment tutorials, group workshops, projects, and extra curricular activities.

Students are required to take 24 credits to graduate. This curriculum is laid out as follows:

Ninth Grade: English (Pre-AP), World Geography, Algebra I (Honors), Physical Science, Spanish I, Computer, PE.
Tenth Grade: English II (Pre-AP), World History, Geometry (Honors), Biology (Honors), Spanish II, Art
Eleventh Grade: English III (AP), U.S. History (AP), Algebra II (Honors), Chemistry (Honors), Spanish III (Honors)
Twelfth Grade: English IV (AP), Government (AP) / Economics (Honors), Pre-Calculus (Honors) or Calculus (Honors), Physics (Honors) or Biology II (Honors), Psychology.
Electives: Marine Biology, Forensic Science, Psychology, Sociology, Speech, Computer, Web Design, Business, Yearbook, and Art I, II, and III

Special Needs

ASA is a school designed for “students who have distinct educational needs.” The school states that it sets very defined goals but allows exceptional latitude for reaching those goals.

Foreign Languages

ASA offers instruction in Spanish.

Arts

ASA offers three art classes: Art I, II, and III.

Technology

Alexander Smith Academy does offer a computer course.

Extracurricular Activities

Because the school day is primarily just four days, Monday – Thursday, students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities especially on Friday. The school does have some sponsored activities such as Student Council, Volunteer Service Club, and the literary magazine. It also hosts a National Honor Society chapter called Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Athletics

No information provided.

Parent Involvement

No information provided.

Alexander Smith Academy Fast Facts

Overview
School Type	Independent, Coeducational
Religious Affiliation Uniforms	Nonsectarian No
Date Founded	1968
Endowment	N/A
Grades Served	9-12
Enrollment	50
Grade 12	18
Grade 11	15
Grade 10	11
Grade 9	6
Student to Teacher Ratio	4:1
Faculty with Advanced Degrees (#/%)	N/A
Minorities in Student Body	14%

Curriculum
Academic Tracks Offered	On Track, Honors, AP
Advanced Placement Classes	4
Languages Offered	Spanish
Calendar (Semester / Trimester / Other)	N/A
Interscholastic Sports Programs	N/A

Graduating Seniors
National Merit Semi-Finalists (#/%)	0
Average SAT Scores (Class of 2010)	N/A
Mathematics	N/A
Critical Reading	N/A
Writing	N/A
% Students Admitted to 4 Year University	N/A

Admissions
Prime Entry Points	9
Tuition Grades 9-12	$26,600
Students on Financial Aid	Not Offered