Best High Schools in Zip Code 32114

Zip code 32114 in Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to two high schools—Mainland High School and The Chiles Academy—that serve grades 9-12 and 6-12 respectively, offering a stark contrast in size, performance, and student needs within the Volusia school district.

Mainland High School is the clear academic standout, enrolling nearly 2,000 students and boasting a 95.8% graduation rate that exceeds both the district (95.6%) and state (92.2%) averages. It ranks in the 52nd percentile statewide and shows particular strength in science and history, with 79% proficiency in Biology and 76% in US History—both above state benchmarks. However, Mainland struggles with math and early literacy, as Algebra 1 proficiency (49%) and 9th-grade ELA (45%) lag significantly behind state averages. A major concern is its 44.1% chronic absenteeism rate, which is over 10 points higher than the district average and suggests that even a high-performing school faces attendance challenges. In contrast, The Chiles Academy is a tiny alternative school with only 90 students, serving a highly at-risk population. Its graduation rate is critically low at 44.4%, and nearly every student (98.3%) is chronically absent. The school spends $13,883 per student—48% more than Mainland—yet lacks recent test scores or state rankings, indicating a focus on non-academic support like credit recovery or social services for students facing homelessness or severe disengagement.

The key takeaway for parents is that these two schools represent opposite ends of the educational spectrum. Mainland High School offers a traditional, large-school environment with strong graduation outcomes and targeted academic strengths, though it needs improvement in math and attendance. The Chiles Academy is a specialized setting for students with significant barriers, where higher spending does not translate to typical academic metrics. Parents should consider their child's needs carefully: Mainland for a comprehensive high school experience with proven results, or Chiles for a small, intensive support environment.