This show is created by Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street, one of the first Latina characters on tv. As such, this show takes place in the Bronx and puts heavy emphasis on Puerto Rican culture. I'm Latino (not Puerto Rican but still), so this show is quite relatable to me and stands out on its own.
Animation 1/2: lets get the elephant out of the room first. The animation is mediocre. That's pretty much all there is to say. Also, whatever you do, don't watch the show with motion smoothing on. Worst mistake of my life.
Writing 2/2: good writing can make up for meh animation, as is the case with Alma's Way. It's not babyish or pandering, but is highly clever and full of playful banter, along with well-researched Puerto Rican culture. There are instances where Alma talks to the Audience, but she doesn't ask them for help. She treats the viewer like a friend and speaks on their level. Nobody likes being talked down to; and thankfully Alma avoids doing that.
Characters 2/2: The Rivera family is silly and likable. Alma herself isn't 100% perfect like Blaze or 100% bratty like Caillou. She's perfectly flawed in her own impulsive, sometimes insensitive way. She always works to correct her mistakes and communicate her feelings with others. I also really like Eddie, her cousin. He has cerebral palsy but doesn't make a big scene about it. It's just kinda there, meaning that it's treated as perfectly normal and nothing to freak out about. Also, the best aspect of the animation has to be that Eddie's usage of his crutches is accurate. He doesn't always use them, just when it's appropriate.
Music 2/2: Latinos have the best music in the world, and you can bet that the composers worked hard to put salsa/Bomba music in the soundtrack.
Voice acting 2/2: Thankfully, this show doesn't recycle the same voice actors from other modern PBS shows. Rather, it brings new talent to the table. Summer Rose Castillo is the perfect voice for Alma.
In conclusion, 9/10.
