Summary:
The 11 schools in Key West's zip code 33040, all part of the Monroe County School District, serve a diverse range of students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a mix of traditional public, charter, Montessori, and alternative programs.
The academic landscape is sharply divided. Sigsbee Charter School stands out as the top-performing elementary school, with test scores far exceeding state averages and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate among larger schools. At the high school level, The College Of The Florida Keys Academy boasts a 5-star rating and stellar test scores, though its graduation rate is notably lower than the district average. In contrast, Horace O'Bryant School presents a paradox: despite a low overall 1-star rating, its advanced math students achieve near-perfect proficiency on Algebra 1 and Geometry exams. The smallest schools, like Keys Center and Lower Keys Academic Connections For Excellence, serve the highest-needs students, reflected in their very high per-student spending and chronic absenteeism rates.
Key metrics reveal a district with significant challenges and unique strengths. The average free/reduced lunch rate across all schools is 41.9%, but this ranges from just 11.29% at The College Of The Florida Keys Academy to 74.63% at Gerald Adams Elementary School. Chronic absenteeism averages 33.8%, slightly above the state average, though Monroe Virtual Franchise reports a 0.0% rate. Per-student spending is high, averaging $23,456, but this does not guarantee success, as the highest-spending schools serve the most at-risk populations. For parents, this data highlights that school choice in Key West involves weighing trade-offs between overall academic rankings, specialized programs like advanced math, and the specific needs of the student population.
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