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Countryside High School

Q: Is Countryside High School a good school?

Countryside High School ranks 270 th of 838 Florida high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public, Magnet Grades 9-12

270^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 838 Florida High Schools

Better than 68% of Florida high schools

Summary

Countryside High School in Clearwater, FL, is a mid-sized public high school serving 1,396 students in grades 9-12 within the high-performing Pinellas County School District, and it stands out for its exceptional graduation rate of 97.2%—well above the district and state averages—while also grappling with a significant chronic absenteeism rate of 40.7% and uneven academic performance across subjects.

One of the school's biggest strengths is its science program, particularly in Biology 1, where 85% of students are proficient, outperforming the district and state averages and even surpassing nearby comprehensive schools like East Lake High School and Palm Harbor University High. However, this success is contrasted by a critical weakness in Algebra 1, where proficiency has been volatile and alarmingly low—dropping to just 16% in 2024-2025 before recovering to 47% in 2025-2026, still far below the district and state averages. This "math gap" is a key concern, especially when compared to a similar school like Dunedin High School, which outperforms Countryside in most academic metrics despite having similar demographics. The school also spends more per student ($10,304) than top-performing peers like East Lake and Palm Harbor, yet achieves lower overall test scores, suggesting that resources may not be effectively targeting core challenges like math instruction and attendance.

Chronic absenteeism is a persistent issue at Countryside, with a rate of 40.7% that is significantly higher than the district and state averages, and more than double that of high-performing neighbors like East Lake (24.6%) and Palm Harbor (14.2%). This likely exacerbates the school's struggles in foundational subjects like Algebra 1, where missing class can be particularly damaging. Despite these challenges, Countryside's strong graduation rate and standout Biology performance show that the school has pockets of excellence, particularly in its science department. For parents, the key takeaway is that Countryside offers a solid, middle-tier education with a strong focus on student retention and science, but it needs to address its math proficiency and attendance issues to better serve all students.

1,396

Students ?

19.9

Student/teacher ratio ?

$10,304

Per pupil spending ?

32%

Free/discounted lunch ?

3000 State Road 580
Clearwater, FL 33761

(727) 725-7956

District: Pinellas

Feeder schools for Countryside High School:

Elementary:	Curlew Creek Elementary School
	Leila Davis Elementary School
	McMullen-Booth Elementary School
	Safety Harbor Elementary School
Middle:	Safety Harbor Middle School

Racial breakdown:

White:

53.4%

Hispanic:

28.4%

African American:

11.0%

See top rated Florida high schools

Compare Countryside High School to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 54th percentile in 2016 → 68th in 2026

Strengths

✓97% graduate in 4 years — above the Florida average (92%)

✓Ranking is trending up — up 14 percentile points since 2016

✓Above the Florida median (68th percentile)

Worth a look

!High chronic absenteeism (41% vs 31% Florida)

!Algebra 1 scores 16 pts below the Florida average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school66%

District avg66%

Florida avg64%

270^th of 838

Florida public high schools ?

Top 32%▲ up 14 pts since 2016

From top 46% (2016) to top 32% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Florida High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

10^th of 26High Schools in the Pinellas

15^th of 70Pinellas among Florida districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	56.3	270 of 838	67.8%	★★★☆☆
2025	51.0	321 of 844	62.0%	★★★☆☆
2024	41.7	403 of 807	50.1%	★★★☆☆
2023	40.0	384 of 792	51.5%	★★★☆☆
2022	39.8	390 of 774	49.6%	★★☆☆☆
2021	41.8	346 of 746	53.6%	★★★☆☆
2019	46.8	315 of 734	57.1%	★★★☆☆
2018	46.7	312 of 716	56.4%	★★★☆☆
2017	47.8	302 of 714	57.7%	★★★☆☆
2016	45.6	317 of 693	54.3%	★★★☆☆
2014	54.5	280 of 687	59.2%	★★★☆☆
2013	51.4	272 of 648	58.0%	★★★☆☆
2012	54.1	199 of 606	67.2%	★★★☆☆
2011	68.2	195 of 622	68.6%	★★★☆☆
2010	65.7	213 of 620	65.6%	★★★☆☆
2009	64.7	207 of 587	64.7%	★★★☆☆
2008	66.0	187 of 577	67.6%	★★★☆☆
2007	66.8	173 of 563	69.3%	★★★☆☆
2006	72.3	115 of 477	75.9%	★★★★☆
2005	79.2	84 of 487	82.8%	★★★★☆
2004	71.1	134 of 484	72.3%	★★★★☆

By subject vs Florida (2025-2026) ?

Biology 185%+11 vs state

US History75%~ state avg

English Language Arts66%+6 vs state

Geometry48%-8 vs state

Algebra 147%-16 vs state

2.8

5 ratings · 4 written reviews

5★2

4★0

3★0

2★1

1★2

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What people are saying

by a parent
Saturday, November 3, 2018

The school administration and guidance departments do not care about student growth, bullying or communication with parents. One of the male teachers has had multiple complaints about his inappropriate behavior, yet nothing has been done. Sexual encounters between students are commonplace in bathrooms and areas where the cameras cannot see, and the drug situation is horrible...walking the halls between classes etc.
I will be getting my child out of this place as soon as possible. Close Quote

by a student
Wednesday, July 13, 2016

I was a student at Countryside High, I started attending 3 months into school. The students are very rude and very self centered. The guidance office is not very helpful which one time I requested to see a guidance councilor and they never got back to me. I came from a school that where the teachers really cared about you at Countryside the teachers don't and its only a handful that does. I would not recommend this school to many people but for people that are self centered or not open to new friends and accepting new students this school is just right for you. Close Quote

by a student on FaceBook
Friday, September 7, 2012

Just so much better than my old school in every way. Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Countryside makes it far too easy for students to graduate. Based on the homework assignments and class scores of my step-son, he was able to glean grades that he didn't deserve. I would not recommend this school for any child pursuing higher education. If you have a child that is struggling, however, this school is the place to send them. You will see their grades improve, not through hard work and initiative, but through a lax grading system. Close Quote

Schools Near Countryside High School

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				FAST English Language Arts (2026)			FAST Math (2026)	Statewide Science Science (2026)	EOC Algebra 1 (2026)	EOC Geometry (2026)	EOC Biology 1 (2026)	EOC US History (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
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 (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 9th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 10th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC US History End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Countryside High School	Public, Magnet	9-12	3000 State Road 580	Clearwater	33761	Pinellas County	Pinellas	No	Yes	No	No	(727) 725-7956	1,396	70	19.9	32.0%	745 (53.4%)	153 (11.0%)	397 (28.4%)	32 (2.3%)	2 (0.1%)	3 (0.2%)	64 (4.6%)	56.3	270^th of 838 public high schools	67.8%		51	321^st of 844 public high schools	62.0%	51		67.0	65.0			47.0	48.0	85.0	75.0	$10,304	$448	$9,856
Enterprise Charter High School	Public, Charter	9-12	2495 Enterprise Rd	Clearwater	33763	Pinellas County	Pinellas	Yes	No	No	No	(727) 474-1237	387	10	38.7	57.6%	170 (43.9%)	66 (17.1%)	128 (33.1%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (5.2%)	4.5	745^th of 838 public high schools	11.1%		5.5	738^th of 844 public high schools	12.6%	7			12.0			0.0			39.0	$9,860	$958	$8,901
Dunedin High School	Public, Magnet	9-12	1651 Pinehurst Rd	Dunedin	34698	Pinellas County	Pinellas	No	Yes	No	No	(727) 469-4100	1,221	57	21.4	35.0%	672 (55.0%)	116 (9.5%)	342 (28.0%)	18 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	19 (1.6%)	54 (4.4%)	56.9	258^th of 838 public high schools	69.2%		53.7	286^th of 844 public high schools	66.1%	28		69.0	65.0			40.0	65.0	76.0	80.0	$9,594	$559	$9,035
Pinellas Gulf Coast Academy	Public	9-12	2235 NE Coachman Rd	Clearwater	33765	Pinellas County	Pinellas	No	No	No	No	(727) 474-8836	202	14	14.4	55.0%	93 (46.0%)	42 (20.8%)	58 (28.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (4.5%)								(n/a)										$18,021	$1,270	$16,751
Pinellas Teleschool	Public	6-12	2229 NE Coachman Rd	Clearwater	33765	Pinellas County	Pinellas	No	No	No	No	(727) 669-1220	130	5	26.0	74.6%	26 (20.0%)	85 (65.4%)	11 (8.5%)	1 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (5.4%)	3.3	769^th of 838 public high schools	8.2%		3.7	766^th of 844 public high schools	9.2%	3	5.0	0.0	19.0	6.0	13.0	0.0			31.0	$6,194	$161	$6,032
Clearwater High School	Public, Magnet	9-12	1951 Gulf To Bay Blvd	Clearwater	33764	Pinellas County	Pinellas	No	Yes	No	No	(727) 298-1620	1,543	72	21.4	49.2%	523 (33.9%)	323 (20.9%)	585 (37.9%)	32 (2.1%)	3 (0.2%)	5 (0.3%)	72 (4.7%)	41.6	452^nd of 838 public high schools	46.1%		41.6	441^st of 844 public high schools	47.7%	11		46.0	53.0			42.0	57.0	71.0	79.0	$9,221	$571	$8,649
Palm Harbor University High	Public, Magnet	9-12	1900 Omaha St	Palm Harbor	34683	Pinellas County	Pinellas	No	Yes	No	No	(727) 669-1131	2,413	114	21.1	21.6%	1,798 (74.5%)	42 (1.7%)	329 (13.6%)	144 (6.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (0.2%)	94 (3.9%)	75	103^rd of 838 public high schools	87.7%		75.1	113^th of 844 public high schools	86.6%	10		81.0	77.0			62.0	72.0	88.0	84.0	$9,037	$256	$8,780
Alonso High School	Public	9-12	8302 Montague St	Tampa	33635	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	No	No	No	(813) 356-1525	2,863	113	25.3	35.5%	667 (23.3%)	145 (5.1%)	1,758 (61.4%)	186 (6.5%)	3 (0.1%)	4 (0.1%)	100 (3.5%)	57.4	250^th of 838 public high schools	70.2%		57	242^nd of 844 public high schools	71.3%	8		64.0	67.0			44.0	57.0	77.0	81.0	$7,883	$671	$7,211
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School North Pinellas	Public, Charter	10-12	600 Klosterman Rd	Tarpon Springs	34689	Pinellas County	Pinellas	Yes	No	No	No	(727) 341-3521	223	5	44.6	24.7%	164 (73.5%)	5 (2.2%)	38 (17.0%)	9 (4.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (3.1%)	93.2	5^th of 838 public high schools	99.4%		94.2	4^th of 844 public high schools	99.5%	1			97.0				100.0		98.0	$7,956	$208	$7,748
East Lake High School	Public, Magnet	9-12	1300 Silver Eagle Dr	Tarpon Springs	34688	Pinellas County	Pinellas	No	Yes	No	No	(727) 942-5419	1,980	95	20.8	19.0%	1,394 (70.4%)	86 (4.3%)	337 (17.0%)	69 (3.5%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.1%)	91 (4.6%)	74.8	106^th of 838 public high schools	87.4%		70.9	139^th of 844 public high schools	83.5%	33		78.0	78.0			67.0	71.0	88.0	89.0	$9,411	$373	$9,038

Frequently Asked Questions about Countryside High School

Is Countryside High School a good school?

Countryside High School ranks 270^th of 838 Florida high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What district is Countryside High School in?

Pinellas

What is the racial makeup of Countryside High School?

Students at Countryside High School are 53% White, 28% Hispanic, 11% African American, 5% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

What schools feed into Countryside High School?

Countryside High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Curlew Creek Elementary School
Elementary : Leila Davis Elementary School
Elementary : McMullen-Booth Elementary School
Elementary : Safety Harbor Elementary School
Middle : Safety Harbor Middle School

How many students attend Countryside High School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,396 students attended Countryside High School.

Rate Countryside High School!

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