Summary:
The three public schools in zip code 32736 (Eustis, FL) serve students from elementary through high school, but they present a starkly divided picture of academic performance and student engagement, with one school in a state of severe crisis.
Eustis Middle School is a standout for its exceptional advanced math program, achieving 100% proficiency in Geometry and 88% in Algebra 1—far exceeding both the Lake district and state averages. However, this excellence masks a troubling split: only 18% of 7th graders were proficient in grade-level math, suggesting resources may be concentrated on top performers while most students struggle. Seminole Springs Elementary School ranks in the 30th percentile statewide and has a 40.1% chronic absenteeism rate, above the state average of 31.4%. In contrast, Alee Academy Charter School is in a systemic crisis: its 24.7% graduation rate and 92.2% chronic absenteeism rate are catastrophic, compounded by a 45.2:1 student-teacher ratio—nearly three times higher than the other schools. This likely fuels disengagement and explains abysmal test scores like 5% proficiency in Algebra 1.
Chronic absenteeism is a widespread issue across the zip code, with both Seminole Springs (40.1%) and Eustis Middle (49.1%) far exceeding the state average, indicating a systemic problem that begins in elementary school. Spending does not correlate with performance: Seminole Springs spends the most per student ($13,489) but ranks low, while Alee Academy spends the least ($9,605) and is in crisis. Eustis Middle, with mid-range spending ($10,910), shows that how money is used matters more than the amount. For parents, this data reveals a community where one school excels in advanced math but struggles with foundational skills, while another is failing on nearly every metric, highlighting the need for careful school selection.
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