Summary:
The city of Williston, Florida, is served by three public schools within the Levy County School District, which holds a 2-star rating and ranks 47th out of 70 districts in the state. These schools include Williston Middle High School (grades 6-12, 1,121 students), Joyce M. Bullock Elementary School (grades PK-2, 638 students), and Williston Elementary School (grades 3-5, 515 students). All three schools serve a high-needs population, with free/reduced lunch eligibility ranging from 50.76% at the middle/high school to 63.3% at Williston Elementary.
Standout performances reveal a mixed picture. Williston Middle High School excels in middle school math, with 78% of 6th graders and 61% of 7th graders proficient, far exceeding state averages of 60% and 53%, respectively. However, 8th-grade math proficiency drops sharply to 35%, well below the state’s 61%, signaling a concerning "drop-off." The school also boasts a strong 95.7% graduation rate, yet its End-of-Course exam scores lag behind state averages, such as 42% proficient in Algebra 1 versus 63% statewide. Williston Elementary School stands out for its low chronic absenteeism rate of 19.6%, dramatically better than the district (31.9%) and state (31.4%) averages, despite having the highest economic disadvantage and lowest per-student spending ($10,105).
Key metrics highlight disparities. Joyce M. Bullock Elementary School has the highest per-student spending ($11,418) and a lower student-teacher ratio (18.6:1), but also the highest chronic absenteeism rate (33.7%). In contrast, Williston Elementary School achieves strong attendance and competitive test scores despite fewer resources. The "middle school math paradox" at Williston Middle High School—where early math success gives way to a steep decline by 8th grade—warrants investigation. Overall, the data suggests that while the district faces challenges, individual schools show pockets of strength, particularly in math and attendance, that parents should consider when evaluating options.
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