Summary:
Zip code 32901 in Melbourne, FL, is home to three high schools within the Brevard County School District, serving grades 9-12 (with one school also serving grades 7-8) and offering a wide range of academic environments from a top-performing traditional school to a charter school in crisis.
Melbourne Senior High School is the clear standout in this area, consistently outperforming district and state averages. With a 97% graduation rate and strong proficiency scores in Biology (77%) and US History (80%), it is a model of academic success. In contrast, Palm Bay Magnet Senior High School, despite its magnet designation and higher per-student spending ($12,053), significantly lags behind, with a 90% graduation rate and proficiency scores 20-30 points lower in core subjects. The most challenged school is Riverside Charter High School, which has a 0-star rating, a 37.3% graduation rate, and an alarming 87.7% chronic absenteeism rate, indicating a systemic failure to provide a functional educational environment.
Key takeaways for parents include that the "magnet" label does not guarantee better outcomes, as Palm Bay Magnet underperforms compared to the traditional Melbourne Senior High. Chronic absenteeism is a critical predictor of failure, with Riverside Charter's astronomical rate directly linked to its low test scores and graduation rate. Additionally, higher spending does not equal better results, as Palm Bay Magnet spends more per student but achieves worse outcomes than Melbourne Senior High. For families seeking a high-performing, consistent school, Melbourne Senior High is the top choice, while Riverside Charter High presents significant challenges that require careful consideration.
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