Summary:
This analysis examines four public middle schools serving grades 7-8 (with one serving grades 4-8) within the Franklin-McKinley Elementary district in San Jose, revealing one exceptional school and three facing significant academic and attendance challenges.
College Connection Academy stands out as a top-tier school, ranking in the 93rd percentile statewide with proficiency rates far exceeding district and state averages, especially in English and Math, while maintaining an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.3%. In contrast, Sylvandale Middle, Bridges Academy, and Lairon College Preparatory Academy all rank below the 30th percentile, with Sylvandale Middle performing the strongest among them; these three schools also struggle with chronic absenteeism, with rates between 24% and 30%, well above the state average.
Key insights show that high per-student funding does not guarantee success, as Bridges Academy has the highest spending but the lowest ranking, and that Science is the most challenging subject across all schools. The success of College Connection Academy demonstrates that excellent outcomes are achievable within the district, suggesting that school-level practices in engagement and instruction are critical factors for student achievement.
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