Summary:
Zip code 32801 in Orlando, Florida, contains two schools: Howard Middle, a large traditional public middle school, and Lake Eola Charter, a small K-8 charter school, with no high schools in the immediate area.
Howard Middle is the standout school in this zip code, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the top 18% of Florida middle schools. It consistently outperforms both the Orange district and state averages across nearly all subjects, with exceptional proficiency rates like 93% in Algebra 1 and 90% in Civics. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 17.2% is roughly half the district average of 35.2%, indicating strong student engagement. In contrast, Lake Eola Charter has a 2-star rating and generally underperforms, particularly in math where 8th-grade proficiency is just 9% compared to 61% statewide. Despite spending $1,998 more per student and having a lower student-teacher ratio (15.8:1 vs. 21.1:1), Lake Eola Charter achieves significantly lower academic outcomes than Howard Middle.
The most notable finding is the stark performance gap between these two schools, creating an uneven educational landscape for families in 32801. For middle school students, the choice is between a high-performing traditional public school and a struggling charter. Howard Middle serves as a bright spot for the district, demonstrating what is possible with strong academic results and low absenteeism. However, the absence of a high school means students must look outside the zip code for secondary education, though Howard Middle's strong foundation likely positions its graduates well for competitive high school programs in the broader Orlando area.
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