Summary:
In zip code 32312, there is one middle school, Deerlake Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 in Tallahassee, Florida, an area with a relatively low rate of economic disadvantage.
Deerlake Middle School is a high-performing school that stands out as a "pocket of excellence" within the Leon district, which holds a 2-star rating. Deerlake consistently ranks in the top 16% of Florida middle schools, earning a 4-star rating. The school excels in advanced coursework, with 100% of students proficient in Algebra 1 and Geometry End-of-Course exams, and 98% proficient in Biology 1—rates dramatically higher than district and state averages. Overall proficiency across all subjects averages 82.5%, with the school outperforming the district in every subject and grade level. However, there is a slight downward trend in some core subjects for the 2025-2026 school year, including 8th Grade ELA (dropping from 74% to 70%) and 8th Grade Science (dropping from 69% to 66%).
With a student-teacher ratio of 20.2:1 and per-student spending of $9,672, the school appears to use its resources efficiently to achieve strong results. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at 23.0%, but this is significantly lower than the district average of 36.8% and the state average of 31.4%. Only 14.95% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, indicating a relatively affluent student body. The school's strong performance, combined with its engaged community and effective administration, makes it a standout choice for families in the area.
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