Summary
Belmont Academy in Lake City, FL, is an alternative school serving 828 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade within the Columbia County School District, a district currently rated 2 stars and ranking 36th out of 70 in Florida.
Despite its "alternative" classification, which often implies specialized programs for at-risk students, Belmont Academy delivers exceptional academic results that far exceed both district and state averages. For example, in the 2025-2026 school year, 10th graders achieved a 93% proficiency rate in English Language Arts, compared to the district's 59% and state's 61%, while 6th graders reached 97% in math versus the district's 49% and state's 60%. The school has maintained a perfect 100% graduation rate for four of the last five years, a stark contrast to the district's fluctuating rates between 88.9% and 95.6%. Additionally, chronic absenteeism stands at 26.7%, notably lower than the district's 38% and the state's 31.4%, indicating strong student engagement and effective attendance policies.
Belmont Academy's performance is consistent year-over-year, with no significant declines, and it excels particularly in mathematics and science, where proficiency rates often double the district average. Per-pupil spending is around $8,751, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 20.7:1. While there are no other schools within 20 miles for direct comparison, Belmont Academy stands as a clear outlier in the region, demonstrating that its educational model yields elite outcomes across all subjects and grade levels, making it a standout institution in Lake City.
Thank you for your feedback!