Best Public Schools in Zip Code 19973

Zip code 19973, serving the Seaford, Delaware area, contains 8 schools spanning Pre-K through 12th grade, including 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 1 alternative program, with a total enrollment of approximately 3,963 students.

For parents exploring this area, the educational landscape is decidedly mixed. The strongest academic performer is Seaford Central Elementary School, which ranks in the 53rd percentile statewide and boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism (5.1%) among traditional elementary schools, with 4th grade math proficiency at 53% versus the state's 40%. However, its ranking has slipped from 31st to 50th in recent years. In contrast, Sussex Montessori School, the area's charter option, is struggling significantly—3rd grade math proficiency sits at just 11.67% compared to the state's 42.71%, and it has the highest student-teacher ratio (23.9:1) in the area. The most concerning trend is the dramatic academic decline as students progress: elementary schools show 35-51% ELA proficiency, but Seaford Senior High School drops to just 15% on SAT ELA and a staggering 2.78% on SAT math. The high school also has a 74% graduation rate versus the state's 88.9%, and a dropout rate more than double the state average.

There are some bright spots worth noting. Seaford Middle School has shown improvement, moving from the 22nd to 34th percentile, and reports an extraordinary 0.0% chronic absenteeism rate. All elementary schools in the Seaford School District keep absenteeism well below the state's 17.1% average. Interestingly, per-student spending doesn't correlate with outcomes—the high school spends the most ($14,948 per student) yet performs worst, while the middle school spends the least ($12,500) and is improving. Social studies emerges as a relative strength, with 7th grade proficiency at Seaford Middle reaching 50.43%. Parents should also note the unusual K-2 vs. 3-5 split between elementary schools, which means students change schools mid-elementary, and that Sussex Orthopedic Program provides specialized services for students with physical disabilities.