Literacy Leadership Technology Academy South Bay

Literacy Leadership Technology Academy South Bay is a K-8 charter school in Ruskin, FL, serving 813 students within the Hillsborough school district, and it stands out as a uniquely efficient and specialized school in an area where most nearby schools serve a much higher percentage of students from low-income households.

The school’s biggest strength is its exceptional middle school math program. In Geometry, students scored an astonishing 94% proficient, far exceeding the district average of 54%, and Algebra 1 scores have consistently been well above state and district levels for the past four years. This makes the school a powerhouse for advanced math, even rivaling the area’s top magnet school, Dorothy C York Pk-8 Magnet School. However, performance is uneven. While middle school reading and math are strong, elementary grades (3-5) show more inconsistency, with 4th grade reading and math scores falling below state averages. Science is also a clear weak spot, with 5th grade science scores (46%) well below the state average of 60%.

Another key takeaway is the school’s efficiency. It spends about $9,386 per student, which is $3,000 to $4,000 less than nearby high-poverty schools like Ruskin Elementary School and Reddick Elementary School, yet it achieves better academic results. Chronic absenteeism is also much lower here (14.8%) compared to surrounding schools, which often exceed 30%. In short, this school offers a focused, efficient education with a standout math program, but families should be aware of the gaps in elementary and science instruction.