Pasco

The Pasco County school district in Florida serves 102 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, and is ranked 37th out of 70 districts in the state with an overall 2-star rating. The district's graduation rate of 96.9% exceeds the state average, but performance varies widely across schools, with top performers like Angeline Academy Of Innovation (92nd percentile, 5 stars) and Kirkland Ranch Academy Of Innovation (83rd percentile, 4 stars) showing strong test scores and low chronic absenteeism, while schools like Fivay High School and Zephyrhills High School rank in the bottom 30th percentile with high absenteeism and lower scores.

Standout schools include Athenian Academy Of Technology And The Arts, a K-8 charter ranking in the 95th percentile with near-perfect proficiency in Algebra 1 and Civics, and Trinity Elementary School, ranking in the 94th percentile with low chronic absenteeism. In contrast, alternative schools like West Pasco Education Academy and East Pasco Education Academy face significant challenges, with chronic absenteeism above 58% and very low test scores, despite high per-student spending. The data reveals a clear geographic divide, with schools in the Wesley Chapel and Land O' Lakes area, such as Wiregrass Ranch High School and Starkey Ranch K-8, generally outperforming those in New Port Richey and Zephyrhills.

Key metrics show that chronic absenteeism is a critical warning sign, with struggling schools like Pasco High School (52.7% absenteeism) and Anclote High School (50.5%) ranking low. The "innovation" model at schools like Wendell Krinn Technical High School (100% graduation rate) appears successful, while charter schools show mixed results, with Innovation Preparatory Academy in the middle tier. Per-student spending varies dramatically, from $7,527 at Classical Preparatory School to over $67,000 at alternative academies, but higher spending does not guarantee higher test scores, highlighting the complex challenges faced by schools serving at-risk populations.