Summary:
This analysis examines two public middle schools in zip code 32750 (Longwood, FL), both part of the highly-rated Seminole County School District, serving grades 6-8 in a suburban area north of Orlando.
Rock Lake Middle School is the standout school in this area, consistently outperforming Milwee Middle School across nearly every academic metric. Rock Lake holds a 4-star rating and ranks in the 82nd percentile statewide, while Milwee earns a 3-star rating in the 55th percentile. The most dramatic difference is in mathematics: Rock Lake's 6th-grade math proficiency (78%) is more than double Milwee's (34%), and this gap persists through 8th grade. Rock Lake also excels in advanced coursework, with 94% proficiency in Algebra 1 and 98% in Geometry, compared to Milwee's still-strong 76% and 92%. Additionally, Rock Lake has a remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 9.1%, less than half the district average of 25.3%, while Milwee's rate of 25.6% aligns with the district norm.
Interestingly, Milwee Middle School spends $374 more per student ($9,036 vs. $8,662) than Rock Lake, yet achieves lower academic results, suggesting Rock Lake may be more efficient with resources or that Milwee's spending addresses challenges from its higher-needs student population. Both schools perform well above state averages in advanced math coursework, indicating strong programs for top-tier students. For parents, Rock Lake offers consistently high performance, exceptional math scores, and a highly engaged student body, while Milwee provides solid academics with particular strengths in advanced classes, though it faces greater challenges in math proficiency and attendance.
Thank you for your feedback!