Bay

The Bay school district in Florida serves 46 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, and is ranked 28th out of 70 districts in the state, earning a 3-star rating.

The district is defined by a stark contrast between high-performing charter schools and struggling traditional public schools. The top performers are overwhelmingly charter schools, such as University Academy Sabl Inc, which ranks in the 97th percentile for elementary schools with a remarkably low 7.1% chronic absenteeism rate, and North Bay Haven Career Academy, the district's top high school with a 98.5% graduation rate. In contrast, schools like Rosenwald High School and Central High School face severe challenges, with chronic absenteeism rates of 78.9% and 92.6%, respectively, and critically low test scores. The district's overall graduation rate is a strong 93.8%, but this average masks the struggles of schools like New Horizons Learning Center (64.3% graduation rate) and St. Andrew School At Oakland Terrace, which ranks in the 1st percentile.

Chronic absenteeism is the district's most defining challenge, with an average rate of 35.3% that is higher than the state average. Schools with low absenteeism, like Breakfast Point Academy and Bay Haven Charter Academy, consistently achieve top test scores, while those with high absenteeism struggle academically. Notably, high per-student spending does not guarantee success; the highest-spending schools, such as Margaret K. Lewis In Millville ($50,135 per student), are specialized schools facing significant challenges, while efficient schools like North Bay Haven Charter Academy Elementary School achieve excellent results with moderate funding. This data reveals a district of two realities: high-achieving charter and magnet schools in suburban areas, and struggling traditional schools in the urban core.