Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools in zip code 32351 (Quincy, FL), serving grades PK-5 or PK-8 within the Gadsden County School District, a high-poverty area where free/reduced lunch rates range from 78% to 84%.
The standout school is Gadsden Elementary Magnet School, which dramatically outperforms its peers and often the state. It achieved 100% proficiency in 3rd Grade Math and Algebra 1, and 92% in Civics, while its chronic absenteeism rate of 32.2% is far lower than the district average of 56%. This success is linked to the highest spending per student ($23,871) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (11:1). In contrast, George W. Munroe Elementary School, Stewart Street Elementary School, and Greensboro Elementary School all struggle, ranking in the bottom 7-26% of Florida elementary schools. Their chronic absenteeism rates hover around 50%, a primary driver of low test scores. For example, only 26% of Greensboro's 3rd graders were proficient in ELA, yet 69% were proficient in Math, a 43-point gap suggesting a critical weakness in reading.
Key takeaways for parents: Gadsden Magnet proves high performance is possible in this district, but its success is tied to specialized programs and resources. The other three schools face a crisis of chronic absenteeism, which directly impacts learning. Spending alone doesn't guarantee results—Greensboro spends $19,355 per student but has the lowest ELA scores, while George W. Munroe spends the least ($15,242) but ranks higher than Stewart Street. The district's biggest challenge is addressing absenteeism and ensuring resources are allocated effectively, as seen at Gadsden Magnet.
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