Alief Hastings High School is one of the most diverse school communities I have ever experienced. The mixture of races and cultures is truly remarkable. I walked around the surrounding community to see if it was as diverse as the school itself since the majority of students live in the Alief Hastings High School area.  Upon surveying students I found that very few travel by car to get to get to school. Most either walk or catch the bus to arrive.  Most students described themselves as living in a 2 mile radius of Alief Hastings High School. The surrounding area has several apartment complexes, which could be perceived as a sign of single-parent homes and low-income families, however when asked most students described themselves as having two-parent families.  There are also newly built town-homes near the school, which contradicts the before mentioned perception of low income, instead portraying a growing middle to upper class residents area.  There are several recently built neighborhoods in the area as well, signs of a growing community.  Most homes look to have been built in the early 80’s and 90’s and range from $75,000 – $100,000, with very few in the upper-class range.  About a mile west of the school there are three brand new neighborhoods which look to be newly built. The homes in these neighborhoods appear to range from the mid 200,000’s and above, signs of a thriving upper class as well.

 

In terms of commerce, there are numerous Asian restaurants, indicating a burgeoning Asian American population, which the school perfectly reflects, with its 30% Asian American population, unusual for most Houston schools.  There are also numerous privately owned stores and restaurants, mostly by Asians, reinforcing the trend of a fast growing Asian American population.  Not too many big businesses are in the area, other than the usual Wal-mart and CVS Pharmacy.  Most stores are in very nice condition and look to be “mom and pop” stores.

 

The area looks to have low crime rate.  Not too many police officers are on patrol in the area. There are also very few signs of gang activity/drug activity.  Most students seem to come from two parent homes.  I have seen very few incidents of “set claiming” or “sign throwing” in or outside of school.  Of course, there are altercations amongst the students but most seem to stem from relationships with classmates more so than gang activity.  Alief Hastings High School itself is very well policed and disciplined by administrators and security guards on the grounds.

 

The community is very well kempt as well.  I observed very little trash in the streets.  There was also an absence of homeliness in the area as well.  I did not observe any of these conditions until I got further in toward the inner-city, but this was up to 5 or more miles away from the school, probably not affecting the school at all.  The immediate neighborhood is very well groomed, with grasses being cut, fresh paint, and clean gutters and sewers.  Very few homes look unkempt on appearance or condition.