David C. Hinson Senior Middle School

David C. Hinson Senior Middle School in Daytona Beach, FL, is a public school serving 922 students in grades 6-8 within the Volusia district, a mid-ranked district statewide. The school stands out for its exceptional performance in advanced math courses, with 89% of students proficient in Algebra 1 and a perfect 100% in Geometry on recent End-of-Course exams—matching the top-tier results at Creekside Middle School and far exceeding nearby schools like Campbell Middle School (71% in Algebra 1) and New Smyrna Beach Middle School (79% in Algebra 1). However, this strength creates a "two-tiered" academic profile: while top math students thrive, the school struggles with grade-level math, especially in 7th grade, where only 41% of students are proficient—12 points below the state average and the lowest among its grade levels.

This 7th-grade "math wall" is a systemic issue across the district, but Hinson's performance lags behind Creekside Middle School (58% proficiency), suggesting room for improvement. Another consistent weakness is Civics, where only 72% of students are proficient, 5 points below the state average and far behind Creekside's 85%. On a positive note, Hinson has a lower chronic absenteeism rate (29.7%) than its neighbors, including Campbell Middle School (46.1%) and Silver Sands Middle School (34.6%), indicating a stronger attendance culture.

The school's state ranking has declined from a peak of the 76th percentile in 2015-2016 to the 46th percentile recently, reflecting a period of stagnation. Spending per student ($9,448) is similar to peers like Ormond Beach Middle School ($9,457), yet outcomes vary widely, suggesting that instructional quality and curriculum alignment—not funding—are key drivers. For parents, Hinson offers a strong advanced math program and better attendance than nearby schools, but it faces challenges in grade-level math and Civics that families should consider.