Wichita Alternative High

Summary:

Wichita Alternative High is a public high school in Wichita, Kansas, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 238 students. Unfortunately, this school has consistently ranked among the lowest-performing high schools in the state, with a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past several years.

Wichita Alternative High struggles academically, with 0% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and Mathematics, compared to 33.55% and 31.6% statewide, respectively. The school also performs poorly for low socioeconomic status students, ranking in the bottom 5% of Kansas high schools. Despite spending significantly more per student ($22,069 in 2018-2019) than nearby high schools, which spend between $9,100 and $12,198 per student, Wichita Alternative High has not been able to translate this higher spending into improved academic outcomes.

In comparison, the nearby Northwest High, Southeast High, and East High schools, while still struggling, have higher academic proficiency rates and better overall performance. Additionally, the Northeast Magnet High School, a public magnet school in the Wichita district, significantly outperforms Wichita Alternative High, with 21.73% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 15.75% in Mathematics.

Detail:

Public 9-12

1847 N Chautauqua
Wichita, KS 67214

(316) 973-0500

District: Wichita

SchoolDigger Rank:
317^th of 318 Kansas High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $22,069

Feeder schools for Wichita Alternative High:

Elementary:	Adams Elementary
	Allen Elementary
	Anderson Elementary
	Beech Elementary
	More...
	Benton Elementary
	Black Traditional Magnet Elementary
	Buckner Performing Arts Magnet Elementary
	Caldwell Elementary
	Cessna Elementary
	Chisholm Trail Elementary
	Christa McAuliffe Academy
	Clark Elementary
	Cloud Elementary
	College Hill Elementary
	Colvin Elementary
	Dodge Literacy Magnet
	Earhart Environ Magnet Elementary
	Enders STEM and Leadership Magnet
	Enterprise Elementary
	Franklin Elementary
	Gammon Elementary
	Gardiner Elementary
	Gordon Parks Academy
	Griffith Elementary
	Harry Street Elementary
	Hyde International Studies/Commun Elementary Magnet
	Irving Elementary
	Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary
	Jackson Elementary
	Jefferson Elementary
	Kelly Liberal Arts Academy
	Kensler Elementary
	Lawrence Elementary
	Linwood Elementary
	L'Ouverture Computer Technology Magnet
	McCollom Elementary
	McLean Science/Technical Magnet Elementary
	Minneha Core Knowledge Elementary
	Mueller Aerospace/Engineering Discovery Magne
	O K Elementary
	Ortiz Elementary School
	Park Elementary
	Payne Elementary
	Peterson Elementary
	Pleasant Valley Elementary
	Price-Harris Communications Magnet
	Riverside Leadership Magnet Elementary
	Seltzer Elementary
	Spaght Multimedia Magnet
	Stanley Elementary
	Washington Accelerated Learning Elementary
	White Elementary
	Woodland Health / Wellness Magnet Elementary
	Woodman Elementary
Middle:	Coleman Middle School
	Curtis Middle School
	Hadley Middle School
	Hamilton Middle School
	More...
	Jardine Technology Middle Magnet
	Marshall Middle School
	Mead Middle School
	Pleasant Valley Middle School
	Robinson Middle School
	Stucky Middle School
	Truesdell Middle School
	Wells Alternative Middle School
	Wilbur Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 16.3

Number of students: 238

Racial breakdown:

White:

34.0%

Hispanic:

34.0%

African American:

20.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 71.4%

See top rated Kansas high schools

Compare Wichita Alternative High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Wichita Alternative High ranks worse than 99.7% of high schools in Kansas. It also ranks last among 10 ranked high schools in the Wichita School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 2.57. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Wichita Alternative High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (34%), White (34%), African American (20.6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 71.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Wichita Alternative High is 16.3. 9 high schools in the Wichita School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Wichita Alternative High employs 14.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Wichita Alternative High is $22,069, which is the 3^rd highest among 10 high schools in the Wichita School District.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Wichita Alternative High:

SchoolDigger ranks Wichita Alternative High 317^th of 318 Kansas public high schools. (See Wichita Alternative High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Wichita:

SchoolDigger ranks Wichita 252^nd of 266 Kansas school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Wichita Alternative High.

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Rank History for Wichita Alternative High

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Rank History for all students at Wichita Alternative High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	KS State Percentile
2007	0.57	275^th	280	1.8%
2009	0.76	284^th	291	2.4%
2010	0.12	300^th	302	0.7%
2011	0.02	298^th	298	0.0%
2012	3.34	308^th	317	2.8%
2013	0.17	318^th	323	1.5%
2015	5.69	317^th	326	2.8%
2016	4.38	305^th	313	2.6%
2018	4.99	310^th	314	1.3%
2019	8.36	311^th	325	4.3%
2021	7.24	307^th	320	4.1%
2023	10.80	304^th	327	7.0%
2024	2.57	317^th	318	0.3%

See the entire list of Kansas High School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Wichita Alternative High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	KS State Percentile
2018	9.41	217^th	228	4.8%
2019	8.83	227^th	229	0.9%
2021	14.91	201^st	213	5.6%
2023	25.01	206^th	250	17.6%
2024	6.29	246^th	249	1.2%

See the entire list of Best Kansas High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Male students at Wichita Alternative High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	KS State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	9.03	235^th	248	5.2%

See the entire list of Best Kansas High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Wichita Alternative High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	KS State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	20.82	271^st	309	12.3%

See the entire list of Best Kansas High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Kansas State 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: Kansas State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4)

100%

Reviews:

by a student
Sunday, September 25, 2011

I went to Metro Boulevard HS from about 1996-1997. The school was the best thing for me when I was attending high school. At the time, I was able to work at my own pace, which was a great thing when I ended up in the hospital for a month, and I had the ability to not fall behind in my classes. I reflect back and realized I had teachers who enabled learning mechanisms, you would not find that at the regular high schools in Wichita.

After attending NE Magnet for the art program and Southeast (which was a complete and utter disaster for me), this school was the best high school for me. I loved the fact that I didn't have to go to a regular high school where I was in fear for my safety, Metro is and was a school I could go to where I felt safe, if you fought, you got kicked out of school. Metro also has a very low student to teacher ratio that really gives the student the ability to learn.

This type of school was a right fit for me, I still look back over 10+ years and think what a blessing it was for me to have an opportunity to go to attend a school like this. Amazing! Also, I have a bachelors in business now, and I am working on my masters in adult learning, I value education and I am very thankful that there is a school like this as an alternative to the "regular" high schools in Wichita. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Wichita Alternative High

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	388	42	3	24	12	n/a	n/a	0	469
1989	196	29	2	9	5	n/a	n/a	0	241
1990	498	108	2	37	31	n/a	n/a	0	676
1991	188	12	0	12	4	n/a	n/a	0	216
1992	146	23	1	7	8	n/a	n/a	0	185
1993	152	30	3	8	10	n/a	n/a	0	203
1994	145	29	4	15	9	n/a	n/a	0	202
1995	146	25	3	12	9	n/a	n/a	0	195
1996	146	25	3	12	9	n/a	n/a	0	195
1997	153	38	1	11	8	n/a	n/a	0	211
1998	175	30	4	9	9	n/a	n/a	0	227
1999	127	26	2	17	12	n/a	n/a	0	184
2000	125	35	3	10	7	n/a	n/a	0	180
2001	92	29	3	8	4	n/a	n/a	0	136
2002	77	43	0	13	8	n/a	n/a	0	141
2003	77	43	0	13	8	n/a	n/a	0	141
2004	65	57	5	19	5	n/a	n/a	1	152
2005	65	62	0	17	6	n/a	n/a	2	152
2006	65	45	0	20	6	n/a	n/a	6	142
2007	72	33	1	16	13	n/a	n/a	0	135
2008	71	32	3	17	7	n/a	n/a	0	130
2009	55	47	1	20	2	n/a	n/a	8	133
2010	51	31	1	25	5	0	9	0	122
2011	54	51	3	19	2	0	10	0	139
2012	38	53	1	18	3	0	9	0	122
2014	20	39	1	15	0	0	7	0	82
2015	20	46	0	19	1	0	6	0	92
2016	19	44	0	24	1	0	11	0	99
2017	34	35	0	32	1	0	11	0	113
2018	37	41	0	17	1	0	8	0	104
2019	37	41	1	19	1	0	14	0	113
2020	27	38	0	25	4	0	8	0	102
2021	34	22	1	30	1	0	6	0	94
2022	34	24	0	24	3	0	9	0	94
2023	81	49	2	81	3	0	22	0	238

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 Wichita Alternative High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	469	21.0	22.3	0
1989	241	35.0	6.8	n/a
1990	676	33.5	20.1	0
1991	216	10.1	21.3	n/a
1992	185	8.9	20.7	34.6
1993	203	10.3	19.7	25.1
1994	202	10.5	19.2	26.7
1995	195	11.0	17.7	27.7
1996	195	11.0	17.7	27.7
1997	211	10.7	19.7	27.5
1998	227	10.7	21.2	31.3
1999	184	10.7	17.2	36.4
2000	180	10.7	16.8	31.7
2001	136	11.7	11.6	44.1
2002	141	11.5	12.3	48.9
2003	141	11.5	12.3	48.9
2004	152	11.7	13.0	66.2
2005	152	11.8	12.9	72
2006	142	10.3	13.8	69.1
2007	135	14.1	9.6	68.1
2008	130	10.1	12.9	70
2009	133	11.2	11.9	80.8
2010	122	10.7	11.4	76.2
2011	139	13.5	10.2	86.3
2012	122	13.3	9.1	79.5
2014	82	0.1	820.0	89
2015	92	n/a	n/a	79.3
2016	99	n/a	n/a	71.7
2017	113	0.0	n/a	66.4
2018	104	8.3	12.4	71.2
2019	113	2.5	44.8	79.6
2020	102	12.7	8.0	86.3
2021	94	13.0	7.2	81.9
2022	94	13.5	6.9	56.4
2023	238	14.5	16.3	71.4

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 Wichita Alternative High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	469	21.0	22.3	0
1989	241	35.0	6.8	n/a
1990	676	33.5	20.1	0
1991	216	10.1	21.3	n/a
1992	185	8.9	20.7	34.6
1993	203	10.3	19.7	25.1
1994	202	10.5	19.2	26.7
1995	195	11.0	17.7	27.7
1996	195	11.0	17.7	27.7
1997	211	10.7	19.7	27.5
1998	227	10.7	21.2	31.3
1999	184	10.7	17.2	36.4
2000	180	10.7	16.8	31.7
2001	136	11.7	11.6	44.1
2002	141	11.5	12.3	48.9
2003	141	11.5	12.3	48.9
2004	152	11.7	13.0	66.2
2005	152	11.8	12.9	72
2006	142	10.3	13.8	69.1
2007	135	14.1	9.6	68.1
2008	130	10.1	12.9	70
2009	133	11.2	11.9	80.8
2010	122	10.7	11.4	76.2
2011	139	13.5	10.2	86.3
2012	122	13.3	9.1	79.5
2014	82	0.1	820.0	89
2015	92	n/a	n/a	79.3
2016	99	n/a	n/a	71.7
2017	113	0.0	n/a	66.4
2018	104	8.3	12.4	71.2
2019	113	2.5	44.8	79.6
2020	102	12.7	8.0	86.3
2021	94	13.0	7.2	81.9
2022	94	13.5	6.9	56.4
2023	238	14.5	16.3	71.4

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.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Wichita Alternative High

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$7,205 (32.6%)	$14,864 (67.4%)	$22,069

Data source: Kansas Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Wichita Alternative High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 311^th of 325 High schools	Ranks 304^th of 327 High schools	2.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
10th Grade English Language Arts (Wichita Alternative High)	11.8	13.6	1.9%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Wichita)	18.2	13.7	4.5%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Kansas)	28.5	26.7	1.7%
10th Grade Mathematics (Wichita Alternative High)	5.9	4.7	1.2%
10th Grade Mathematics (Wichita)	13.5	9.3	4.2%
10th Grade Mathematics (Kansas)	24.5	21	3.5%
11th Grade Science (Wichita Alternative High)	11.9	8.7	3.2%
11th Grade Science (Wichita)	17.3	13.8	3.6%
11th Grade Science (Kansas)	32.4	28.9	3.5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	113	238	110.6%
African American	41	49	19.5%
American Indian	1	3	200%
Asian	1	2	100%
Hispanic	19	81	326.3%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	37	81	118.9%
Two or More Races	14	22	57.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	79.6%	71.4%	8.2%

Schools Near Wichita Alternative High

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				KAP English Language Arts (2024)		KAP Mathematics (2024)		KAP Science (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	KAP English Language Arts 10th Grade	KAP English Language Arts All Grades	KAP Mathematics 10th Grade	KAP Mathematics All Grades	KAP Science 11th Grade	KAP Science All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Wichita Alternative High	Public	9-12	1847 N Chautauqua	Wichita	67214	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-0500	238	15	16.3	71.4%	81 (34.0%)	49 (20.6%)	81 (34.0%)	2 (0.8%)	3 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (9.2%)	2.6	317^th of 318 public high schools	0.3%		10.8	304^th of 327 public high schools	7.0%	13	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	4.5	4.5	$22,069	$7,205	$14,864
East High	Public	9-12	2301 E Douglas	Wichita	67211	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-7200	2,295	145	15.7	78.3%	570 (24.8%)	462 (20.1%)	846 (36.9%)	242 (10.5%)	11 (0.5%)	9 (0.4%)	155 (6.8%)	22.8	265^th of 318 public high schools	16.7%		29.5	249^th of 327 public high schools	23.9%	16	19.5	19.5	11.6	11.6	19.2	19.2	$10,307	$2,146	$8,161
North High	Public	9-12	1437 Rochester	Wichita	67203	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-6300	2,074	130	15.9	86.6%	320 (15.4%)	154 (7.4%)	1,474 (71.1%)	30 (1.4%)	7 (0.3%)	1 (0.0%)	88 (4.2%)	10.1	300^th of 318 public high schools	5.7%		9.1	307^th of 327 public high schools	6.1%	7	13.9	13.9	6.8	6.8	9.2	9.2	$9,100	$2,067	$7,033
Chisholm Life Skills Center	Public	10-12	2515 E Osie	Wichita	67211	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-9500	71	10	7.4	83.1%	21 (29.6%)	19 (26.8%)	18 (25.4%)	6 (8.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (9.9%)								(n/a)							$29,959	$21,311	$8,648
West High	Public	9-12	820 S Osage	Wichita	67213	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-3600	1,370	93	14.6	91.4%	421 (30.7%)	227 (16.6%)	561 (40.9%)	15 (1.1%)	21 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	125 (9.1%)	7.1	307^th of 318 public high schools	3.5%		6.3	317^th of 327 public high schools	3.1%	10	12.7	12.7	2.6	2.6	7.6	7.6	$11,479	$2,919	$8,561
Heights High	Public	9-12	5301 N Hillside	Wichita	67219	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-1400	1,292	82	15.6	70.6%	426 (33.0%)	448 (34.7%)	247 (19.1%)	32 (2.5%)	11 (0.9%)	3 (0.2%)	125 (9.7%)	8.7	304^th of 318 public high schools	4.4%		11.5	302^nd of 327 public high schools	7.6%	2	10.6	10.6	8.1	8.1	7.4	7.4	$12,081	$2,559	$9,521
Sowers Alternative High School	Public	9-12	2400 Wassall St	Wichita	67216	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-1600	75	14	5.3	89.3%	36 (48.0%)	15 (20.0%)	12 (16.0%)	1 (1.3%)	2 (2.7%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (12.0%)	2.6	316^th of 318 public high schools	0.6%		2.5	327^th of 327 public high schools	0.0%	11	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0			$55,858	$35,335	$20,522
Northeast Magnet High School	Public, Magnet	9-12	5550 N Lycee	Bel Aire	67226	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	Yes	No	No	(316) 973-2300	630	49	12.9	60.3%	230 (36.5%)	152 (24.1%)	138 (21.9%)	41 (6.5%)	8 (1.3%)	1 (0.2%)	60 (9.5%)	41	199^th of 318 public high schools	37.4%		54.5	135^th of 327 public high schools	58.7%	64	21.7	21.7	15.8	15.8	31.5	31.5	$10,840	$2,597	$8,244
South High	Public	9-12	701 W 33rd S	Wichita	67217	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-5450	1,632	117	13.9	87.4%	555 (34.0%)	320 (19.6%)	542 (33.2%)	46 (2.8%)	14 (0.9%)	3 (0.2%)	152 (9.3%)	8.2	305^th of 318 public high schools	4.1%		9	308^th of 327 public high schools	5.8%	3	14.0	14.0	1.9	1.9	9.7	9.7	$11,384	$2,533	$8,851
Northwest High	Public	9-12	1220 N Tyler Rd	Wichita	67212	Sedgwick County	Wichita	No	No	No	No	(316) 973-6000	1,416	88	16.0	60.1%	674 (47.6%)	200 (14.1%)	353 (24.9%)	33 (2.3%)	11 (0.8%)	1 (0.1%)	144 (10.2%)	33.1	232^nd of 318 public high schools	27.0%		40.3	205^th of 327 public high schools	37.3%	27	21.2	21.2	20.4	20.4	19.3	19.3	$12,198	$2,658	$9,539

Frequently Asked Questions about Wichita Alternative High

How many students attend Wichita Alternative High?

In the 2022-23 school year, 238 students attended Wichita Alternative High.

What is the racial makeup of Wichita Alternative High?

Students at Wichita Alternative High are 34% White, 34% Hispanic, 21% African American, 9% Two or more races, 1% American Indian.

What district is Wichita Alternative High in?

Wichita

What schools feed into Wichita Alternative High?

Is Wichita Alternative High a good school?

Wichita Alternative High ranks in the bottom 0.3% of Kansas high schools.

Rate Wichita Alternative High!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Kansas State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.