Summary:
In zip code 32778, there is one middle school, Tavares Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 in Tavares, Florida, with a total enrollment of 933 students.
Tavares Middle School presents a mixed picture for parents. The school is a standout in advanced math, with 100% of students proficient in the Geometry End-of-Course (EOC) exam and 77% proficient in Algebra 1, far exceeding both the Lake district and state averages. However, this strength contrasts sharply with performance in standard grade-level subjects, where the school consistently falls below state averages. For example, only 38% of 7th graders were proficient in math, and English Language Arts proficiency ranged from 49% to 55%, compared to state averages of 60-62%. The school also struggles with a high chronic absenteeism rate of 42.3%, which is significantly above the state average of 31.4% and likely a key factor in its below-average core academic performance.
The school's state ranking has been volatile, earning a consistent 2-star rating and dropping from the 41st percentile in 2024-2025 to the 31st percentile in 2025-2026. While the school excels at accelerating a select group of students in advanced math, the majority of students in standard classes are underperforming relative to their peers statewide. With a moderate level of economic disadvantage (48% free/reduced lunch) and a student-teacher ratio of 15.8:1, the school's primary challenge appears to be addressing chronic absenteeism and improving instruction in core subjects to match its success in advanced coursework.
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