Neocity Academy

Neocity Academy is a small, public high school in Kissimmee, FL, serving 514 students in grades 9-12 and is part of the Osceola school district. This school is a standout performer, consistently ranking in the top 1% of all high schools in Florida and holding a perfect 5-star rating for six consecutive years. Its academic proficiency rates are dramatically higher than nearby schools; for example, 99% of students are proficient in Geometry compared to just 46% at Gateway High School and 53% at Tohopekaliga High School. Similarly, 96% of students are proficient in Biology 1, far exceeding the 54% at Osceola High School.

Neocity Academy has achieved a perfect 100% graduation rate for the last four years, a stark contrast to the district average of about 91% and the state average of 92%. This success is paired with exceptionally low chronic absenteeism at 14.4%, which is less than half the district average of 34.9% and far lower than schools like Main Street High School (98.7%) and Zenith Accelerated Academy (68.8%). The school’s consistent performance over the last five years—with test scores in the 90-100% range—points to a deeply embedded culture of high expectations and effective teaching.

While Neocity Academy spends $13,556 per student, more than larger comprehensive high schools like Gateway ($9,821), it is not the highest spender in the district. For instance, Zenith Accelerated Academy spends $22,569 per student but has the worst outcomes, including a 41.3% graduation rate. This shows that how money is spent matters more than the amount. The school’s success is a testament to the power of a focused academic environment and low absenteeism, standing in stark contrast to the struggling comprehensive high schools and poorly performing alternative schools in the same district. Another high-performing small school in the area is Professional & Technical High School, which also holds a 5-star rating, suggesting the district has a successful model for its smaller specialized schools.