Is SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) a good school?

SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) ranks 1285 th of 5862 California alternative schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)?

In the 2023-24 school year, 161 students attended SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative).

What is the racial makeup of SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)?

Students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) are 38% White, 29% Hispanic, 18% Asian, 11% Two or more races, 2% African American, 1% Pacific Islander.

SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Summary:

SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) is a public virtual alternative school located in Mission Viejo, California, serving grades K-12 with a total enrollment of 202 students. It is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which is ranked 376 out of 1,568 school districts in California and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) stands out with its strong academic performance, high graduation rates, and decreasing chronic absenteeism. The school has seen a significant improvement in its four-year graduation rates, increasing from 48.3% in 2018-2019 to 91.1% in 2022-2023, notably higher than the state average of 55.73% for 11th-grade students in 2023-2024. The school also outperforms the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and the state of California in several key academic areas, including English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics, and Science. However, the school still faces challenges in terms of higher chronic absenteeism and free/reduced lunch rates compared to virtual charter schools in the area, such as Suncoast Preparatory Academy and Excel Academy Charter.

Compared to nearby alternative schools, such as Orange County Special Education and ACCESS Juvenile Hall, both located in Costa Mesa, SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) has significantly higher graduation rates and lower dropout rates. These nearby alternative schools also have much lower proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science compared to SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) and the state averages. Continued focus on student engagement and support for economically disadvantaged students could further improve the school's outcomes.

Detail:

Public, Virtual, Alternative K-12

25952 Cordillera Dr.
Mission Viejo, CA 92691-3118

(949) 830-3400

District: Saddleback Valley Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
1285^th of 5,862 California Alternative Schools

Student/teacher ratio: 11.8

Number of students: 161

Racial breakdown:

White:

37.9%

Hispanic:

29.2%

Asian:

18.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 44.1%

See top rated California elementary schools

Compare SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) to nearby alternative schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) ranks better than 78.1% of elementary schools in California. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 77. (See more...)

Compare Details SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) ranks better than 59.3% of middle schools in California. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 51.24. (See more...)

Compare Details SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) ranks better than 80.8% of high schools in California. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 72.16. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (37.9%), Hispanic (29.2%), Asian (18%). (See more...)

Compare Details 44.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Compare Details

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) is 11.8. (See more...)

Compare SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) employs 13.5 full-time teachers.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative):

SchoolDigger ranks SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) 1285^th of 5862 California public elementary schools. (See SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) in the ranking list.)

SchoolDigger ranks SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) 1129^th of 2777 California public middle schools. (See SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Female students:

White students:

SchoolDigger ranks SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) 445^th of 2323 California public high schools. (See SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative) in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Saddleback Valley Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks Saddleback Valley Unified 376^th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative).

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Rank History for SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

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Rank History for all elementary school students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2022	77.47	1310^th	5883	77.7%
2024	77.00	1285^th	5862	78.1%

See the entire list of California Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2022	74.97	1320^th	5663	76.7%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

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Rank History for all middle school students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2019	78.42	520^th	2715	80.8%
2022	62.95	832^nd	2740	69.6%
2023	60.28	895^th	2802	68.1%
2024	51.24	1129^th	2777	59.3%

See the entire list of California Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Female students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2022	59.26	827^th	2509	67.0%
2023	41.24	1300^th	2547	49.0%
2024	30.54	1651^st	2546	35.2%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	77.17	483^rd	2407	79.9%
2022	55.07	933^rd	2527	63.1%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2019	66.32	524^th	1602	67.3%
2022	49.50	771^st	1555	50.4%
2024	19.99	1251^st	1535	18.5%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

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Rank History for all high school students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2004	61.26	321^st	1653	80.6%
2005	69.17	265^th	1901	86.1%
2006	52.99	595^th	1968	69.8%
2007	57.52	505^th	2063	75.5%
2008	49.26	699^th	2117	67.0%
2009	38.19	1084^th	2238	51.6%
2010	47.94	817^th	2281	64.2%
2011	57.18	613^th	2367	74.1%
2012	49.76	807^th	2354	65.7%
2013	62.53	470^th	2426	80.6%
2015	65.39	651^st	1994	67.4%
2016	51.44	984^th	2039	51.7%
2017	91.31	166^th	2021	91.8%
2019	79.17	380^th	2133	82.2%
2021	83.10	214^th	1290	83.4%
2022	78.73	399^th	2123	81.2%
2023	60.27	656^th	2348	72.1%
2024	72.16	445^th	2323	80.8%

See the entire list of California Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2022	78.87	300^th	1943	84.6%
2023	46.29	978^th	2247	56.5%
2024	59.96	601^st	2235	73.1%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2019	68.27	492^nd	1833	73.2%
2022	74.46	404^th	1858	78.3%
2023	55.12	713^th	2118	66.3%
2024	51.68	787^th	2098	62.5%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2022	78.10	361^st	1916	81.2%
2023	62.91	560^th	2207	74.6%
2024	85.27	215^th	2172	90.1%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school Asian students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	63.90	289^th	731	60.5%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for high school Hispanic students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2022	58.27	650^th	1861	65.1%
2023	30.80	1355^th	2142	36.7%
2024	30.53	1362^nd	2125	35.9%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for high school White students at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2022	69.62	330^th	1204	72.6%
2023	36.15	825^th	1434	42.5%
2024	54.15	522^nd	1406	62.9%

See the entire list of Best California Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Sunday, April 25, 2021

Great school! We like the flexibility and the pace versus local elementary schools. Great for the shy child and the child who needs more time. We are a remote family, so this gives us the flexibility to travel. Close Quote

Enrollment information for SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1998	93	2	5	17	1	n/a	n/a	0	118
1999	89	2	5	10	1	n/a	n/a	0	107
2000	81	3	4	10	0	n/a	n/a	0	98
2001	75	2	8	17	1	n/a	n/a	0	103
2002	117	4	6	12	1	n/a	n/a	0	140
2003	117	4	6	12	1	n/a	n/a	0	140
2004	103	3	6	13	0	n/a	n/a	0	125
2005	82	3	4	12	1	n/a	n/a	0	102
2006	88	2	10	15	0	n/a	n/a	2	117
2007	84	4	8	13	0	n/a	n/a	1	110
2008	80	n/a	8	13	n/a	n/a	n/a	0	101
2009	88	3	9	15	1	2	1	0	119
2010	55	4	6	23	1	0	1	0	90
2011	37	0	6	14	0	0	4	0	61
2012	53	0	3	11	0	0	5	0	72
2013	32	1	3	10	0	0	2	0	48
2014	36	0	3	12	1	0	3	0	55
2015	33	1	4	11	0	0	2	0	51
2016	41	0	3	8	0	0	0	0	52
2017	29	0	0	9	0	0	2	0	40
2018	28	0	1	17	0	0	4	0	50
2019	55	2	3	21	1	0	8	0	90
2020	56	0	3	21	0	0	11	0	91
2021	211	7	25	65	0	2	39	0	349
2022	176	12	100	113	0	0	61	0	462
2023	87	4	36	50	0	2	23	0	202
2024	61	4	29	47	0	2	17	1	161

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1998	118	2.4	49.2	0
1999	107	1.2	89.2	0
2000	98	1.0	98.0	3.1
2001	103	1.0	103.0	0
2002	140	2.2	63.6	6.4
2003	140	2.2	63.6	6.4
2004	125	2.4	52.1	3.2
2005	102	2.4	42.5	3.9
2006	117	2.0	58.5	5.2
2007	110	2.0	55.0	0
2008	101	n/a	n/a	0
2009	119	0.0	n/a	9.2
2010	90	n/a	n/a	13.3
2011	61	n/a	n/a	11.5
2012	72	0.9	79.1	n/a
2013	48	1.2	38.0	18.8
2014	55	1.0	54.4	12.7
2015	51	1.0	51.0	13.7
2016	52	1.0	52.0	11.5
2017	40	1.4	27.7	7.5
2018	50	1.5	32.6	30
2019	90	4.0	22.5	18.9
2020	91	n/a	n/a	12.1
2021	349	12.6	27.6	10.6
2022	462	17.1	27.0	23.4
2023	202	13.4	15.0	40.1
2024	161	13.5	11.8	44.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio SVUSD Virtual Academy (Alternative)

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1998	118	2.4	49.2	0
1999	107	1.2	89.2	0
2000	98	1.0	98.0	3.1
2001	103	1.0	103.0	0
2002	140	2.2	63.6	6.4
2003	140	2.2	63.6	6.4
2004	125	2.4	52.1	3.2
2005	102	2.4	42.5	3.9
2006	117	2.0	58.5	5.2
2007	110	2.0	55.0	0
2008	101	n/a	n/a	0
2009	119	0.0	n/a	9.2
2010	90	n/a	n/a	13.3
2011	61	n/a	n/a	11.5
2012	72	0.9	79.1	n/a
2013	48	1.2	38.0	18.8
2014	55	1.0	54.4	12.7
2015	51	1.0	51.0	13.7
2016	52	1.0	52.0	11.5
2017	40	1.4	27.7	7.5
2018	50	1.5	32.6	30
2019	90	4.0	22.5	18.9
2020	91	n/a	n/a	12.1
2021	349	12.6	27.6	10.6
2022	462	17.1	27.0	23.4
2023	202	13.4	15.0	40.1
2024	161	13.5	11.8	44.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

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