Summary:
Zip code 19939, covering the Dagsboro and Frankford areas of Delaware, is served by two schools within the Indian River School District: Indian River High School (grades 9-12) and Clayton (John M.) Elementary School (grades K-5).
Indian River High School is the standout performer in this area, ranking 14th out of 41 high schools in Delaware. It significantly outperforms its district in every tested subject, with particularly strong results in SAT Essay writing (51.85% proficient vs. 37.63% district) and English Language Arts (44.03% vs. 34.86% district). The school also boasts a strong 89.3% graduation rate, well above the district's 81.9%. However, math proficiency (15.64%) lags behind the state average (18.16%), and chronic absenteeism is a concern at 25.5%. In contrast, Clayton (John M.) Elementary School excels in attendance, with a chronic absenteeism rate of just 10.5%—nearly half the state average. The elementary school shows a "3rd grade peak" pattern, with strong 3rd-grade math scores (53.97% proficient vs. 42.71% state) that decline by 5th grade (29.17%). Science is a notable weakness at Clayton, with only 18.06% of 5th graders proficient, a full 12 points below the state average.
These two schools present a clear contrast within the same district. The high school is a top-tier academic institution with strong literacy outcomes but struggles with math and attendance, while the elementary school has excellent attendance and early-grade performance but faces challenges in upper-grade math and science. The district itself is rated 4 stars and ranks 10th out of 34 in Delaware. For parents, this area offers a high-performing high school with a proven track record, paired with an elementary school that provides a solid foundation, particularly in early grades, though families should be aware of the subject-specific gaps that emerge as students advance.
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