Holly Hill Elementary

Holly Hill Elementary is a public school in Holly Hill, FL, serving 601 students in grades PK-5 as part of the Volusia district, where 82.36% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The school faces significant challenges, most notably a chronic absenteeism rate of 47.9%—the highest among nearby schools and well above the district average of 34.1%. This means nearly half of students miss 10% or more of the school year, which directly impacts academic performance. Holly Hill ranks in the 4th percentile statewide, earning a 0-star rating. While the school spends $12,772 per student—more than any neighboring school—this investment hasn't translated into better outcomes. For comparison, Pine Trail Elementary in Ormond Beach spends $10,293 per student but ranks in the 80th percentile with only 19.6% chronic absenteeism. Even schools with similar poverty levels, like Westside Elementary (83.85% free/reduced lunch), achieve higher rankings (22nd percentile) with better attendance.

On a positive note, Holly Hill maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14.3:1, offering more individual attention for students who attend regularly. Additionally, 5th-grade science scores show relative strength at 37% proficiency, suggesting pockets of effective instruction. However, the school's primary challenge remains clear: getting students to school every day is the most critical step toward improvement. Parents considering this school should be aware that while resources are available, the absenteeism crisis significantly undermines academic progress.