Summary:
The Madison school district in Florida serves approximately 1,878 students across five schools, including two elementary schools (serving PK-8), two high schools (serving 9-12), and one alternative virtual school, and is ranked very low in the state at the 9th percentile (64th out of 70 districts).
Two schools stand out for very different reasons. James Madison Preparatory High School is the district's top performer, boasting a 97.7% graduation rate that far exceeds the state average of 92.2%, the lowest chronic absenteeism rate among traditional schools at 26.7%, and consistent 2-3 star ratings. In stark contrast, Madison County Central School is the largest school (828 students) and faces the most significant challenges, with the lowest star ratings (0-1 stars), the highest chronic absenteeism rate at 46.7%, and consistently low test scores. The two charter schools—Madison Creative Arts Academy Inc and James Madison Preparatory High School—consistently outperform the traditional district schools in state rankings, test scores, and attendance, highlighting a clear "charter school effect" in the area.
Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide crisis, with an average rate of 42.3% that is 35% higher than the state average of 31.4%, and only James Madison Preparatory High School falls below the state average. Socioeconomic factors play a strong role, as Madison County Central School has a 76.81% free/reduced lunch rate and the worst outcomes, while James Madison Preparatory High School has a 1.67% rate and the best outcomes. Spending per student is relatively consistent across the three main schools, ranging from $9,562 to $11,754, but higher spending at struggling schools does not correlate with better performance. The Madison Virtual Franchise, with only 9 students and no reported test scores, is a negligible part of the district's landscape.
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