Jefferson Schools K-12

Jefferson Schools K-12 in Monticello, FL, is a unique, single-campus public school serving 669 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, and it is the only school in the Jefferson district, a small rural community.

This school presents a fascinating paradox. On one hand, it boasts an exceptional graduation rate of 95.8%, which is well above the Florida state average of 92.2%. On the other hand, it struggles with a high chronic absenteeism rate of 47.8%, meaning nearly half of its students are missing significant amounts of school. Academically, the school shows a clear split: high school students excel, particularly in science, with 94% proficiency in Biology 1 compared to the state's 74%. However, elementary and middle school students face challenges, with only 31% of 4th graders proficient in English Language Arts (state: 60%) and 48% of 5th graders proficient in Math (state: 62%). This suggests the school is very effective at helping students reach graduation, but is still working to build strong foundational skills and consistent attendance in the younger grades.

Despite spending a high $18,495 per student, the school's performance in core elementary subjects remains below state averages. The good news is that test scores have shown steady improvement over the last two years, recovering from pandemic-era lows. For example, 3rd-grade Math proficiency jumped from 37% to 72%, now above the state average. This upward trend, combined with the high school's strong results, indicates that recent efforts are working. For parents, this school offers a tight-knit community and a clear path to graduation, but it also highlights the need for strong support at home to ensure daily attendance and to reinforce early reading and math skills.