Summary:
The six schools in Tallahassee's 32310 zip code, all part of the Leon County School District, serve a predominantly low-income community with four elementary schools, one middle school, and one alternative school, but no traditional high schools. Bond Elementary School stands out as the top academic performer despite having the highest poverty rate (82.82% free/reduced lunch) and the lowest per-student spending ($9,784), achieving proficiency rates that often meet or exceed district and state averages, such as 74% in 4th-grade math. In contrast, Sabal Palm Elementary School shows dramatic volatility, jumping from the 9th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 45th percentile in 2024-2025, then dropping back to the 21st percentile, despite having the highest per-student spending ($14,017).
Chronic absenteeism is the most critical systemic issue, with all traditional schools far exceeding the state average of 31.4%, led by R. Frank Nims Middle School at 62.1% and Bond Elementary at 56.3%. This directly correlates with academic struggles, as R. Frank Nims Middle School posts the lowest test scores in the zip code, including just 10% proficiency in 6th-grade math. Fort Braden School, the only PK-8 school, presents a unique paradox: its students excel in high school-level courses like Algebra 1 (83% proficiency) and Biology 1 (77%), yet struggle in elementary and middle school subjects, with 5th-grade science at just 18% and 8th-grade science at 0%.
Key takeaways include that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes, as Bond Elementary outperforms Sabal Palm Elementary despite spending $4,233 less per student. The "middle school cliff" is evident at R. Frank Nims Middle School, where disengagement and absenteeism are highest. Fort Braden School effectively channels resources into advanced courses for a select group, leaving the majority behind. Addressing chronic absenteeism would likely have the most profound impact on academic performance across the 32310 zip code.
Thank you for your feedback!