Summary
Hamilton County Elementary School in Jasper, FL, serves 780 students from Pre-K through 5th grade in a rural community, and is the only elementary school in the Hamilton district.
This school faces significant challenges, with 82.95% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch—a rate notably higher than nearby Suwannee schools, which range from 63% to 70%. To address these needs, the school spends $12,722 per student, considerably more than its neighbors (who spend between $9,922 and $10,950). Academically, the school has historically ranked in the bottom quartile of Florida elementary schools, but recent data shows a promising turnaround. In the 2025-2026 school year, it jumped to a 2-star rating and the 33rd percentile—its best ranking in over a decade. This improvement is driven by strong math scores, with 3rd and 4th graders achieving 67% and 68% proficiency, respectively, matching or exceeding state averages. However, English Language Arts remains a persistent weakness, with all grades scoring below the state average (e.g., 5th grade at 45% vs. 60% statewide). Chronic absenteeism is also a major concern, with a 42.2% rate in 2023-2024, worse than the state average of 31.4%.
Compared to Suwannee Springcrest Elementary, the area's academic leader (consistently earning a 3-star rating and 57th-67th percentile), Hamilton County Elementary has more ground to cover, especially in literacy. Springcrest achieves higher results with lower poverty rates and spending, suggesting that instructional strategies and school culture play a key role. The recent math gains at Hamilton County Elementary are a hopeful sign that higher investments are starting to pay off, but sustaining this momentum—particularly in reading—and tackling absenteeism will be critical for long-term success.
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