In 1998 the New Directions School was moved from the Struggs building on East 24th Street to the Matthews Community Learning Center which is its current home. That school for pregnant teenagers and teen mothers originated in 1970 in the basement of the YWCA at 35th St and Flint Avenue. It was moved in the fall of 1973 to 42nd St. and Avenue L, then moved again in 1989 to the Struggs building on East 24th Street.

     In the fall of 2000, the PLATO lab consisting of computer assisted classes was begun at the Matthews Community Learning Center.

     In the year 2002, the Matthews building was 50 years old.
That milestone was recognized with a reception in April of 2002 commemorating the school's 50 years of service to education, the school district and the Lubbock community. Former students, teachers and anyone who ever worked in the building was invited. A most enjoyable reunion took place.

     About 2002, the school's name was changed and it is
now known as Matthews Alternative High School.

     For the 2006-2007 school year, Matthews served over 600 students, and currently houses a faculty and staff of approximately 40 not including the Early Learning Center campus day care center and Library Media Services.