Summary:
The city of Parrish, Florida, is served by four schools within the Manatee County School District, including three elementary schools and one high school, with a total enrollment of 5,494 students. Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School stands out as the top academic performer, consistently earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 76th percentile statewide, with test scores well above district and state averages. In contrast, Parrish Charter Academy presents a paradox: despite having the lowest socioeconomic need and the best student-teacher ratio, it holds the lowest overall ranking (30th percentile), though it excels in advanced math courses like Algebra 1.
Key metrics reveal a strong foundation in elementary math at Barbara A Harvey Elementary School and Annie Lucy Williams Elementary, both achieving proficiency rates 10-20 points above the state average. Parrish Community High School boasts an impressive 97.1% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the district (87.6%) and state (92.2%), while operating with the lowest per-student spending ($8,869) and highest student-teacher ratio (24.3:1). Chronic absenteeism across all Parrish schools is lower than the district and state averages, with Barbara A Harvey Elementary having the best rate at 20.8%.
An interesting takeaway is the "middle school gap," as there is no standalone middle school in Parrish, meaning students from the elementary schools must transition to the K-8 charter academy or a school outside the town. The high school's efficiency is notable, achieving top graduation rates with fewer resources compared to the elementary schools, which spend more per student and have smaller class sizes. Overall, Parrish offers a mix of high-performing traditional schools and a charter school with uneven results, providing families with distinct educational choices within a supportive community.
Thank you for your feedback!