Union County High School

Union County High School in Lake Butler, FL, is a small, rural school serving 606 students in grades 9-12, and it stands out as a high-performing option in the region, particularly when compared to nearby schools like Columbia High School, Santa Fe High School, and Bradford High School.

Academically, Union County High School consistently outperforms its neighbors in core subjects. For example, its Algebra 1 proficiency rate is 50%, dramatically higher than Columbia (14%), Santa Fe (24%), and Bradford (36%). In English Language Arts, 9th graders achieve 70% proficiency, far exceeding the 52-60% range of nearby schools. The school also excels in Biology (74%) and US History (85%), with the latter being 11 points above the state average. This success is likely fueled by a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15.2:1—much lower than the 22.9:1 to 24:1 ratios at neighboring schools—and higher per-pupil spending of $13,018, compared to $8,413 to $10,995 at nearby schools. Additionally, chronic absenteeism at 32.5% is significantly lower than the 52.9% to 57.8% rates at Columbia and Bradford, suggesting a stronger culture of attendance.

Despite these strengths, the school faces notable challenges. Its graduation rate of 84.7% is the lowest among its peers and well below the state average of 92.2%, creating a paradox where strong test scores don't translate to on-time graduation. The school has also seen a decline from a 4-star rating in 2015-2018 to a consistent 3-star rating since 2019, coinciding with rising chronic absenteeism and a drop in graduation rates. While math scores in Algebra 1 and Geometry are relative weaknesses compared to its stellar history and science performance, Union County High School remains a compelling choice for parents seeking a small, well-funded school with strong academic outcomes, though they should be aware of the graduation rate issue.