Summary:
In zip code 33063, there is one middle school, Margate Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 in Margate, Florida, as part of the Broward County school district.
Margate Middle School presents a fascinating paradox for parents. On one hand, the school has a remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of just 2.3%, far better than the district average of 33.6%, indicating strong student engagement and attendance. On the other hand, the school has consistently received a 1-star state ranking over the past three years, placing it in the bottom 20-26th percentile of Florida middle schools. The school excels in advanced coursework, with standout proficiency rates in Algebra 1 (90%), Geometry (96%), and Biology 1 (93%)—all significantly above state averages. However, grade-level standardized test scores are a major concern, with only 31% of 8th graders proficient in science and 35% proficient in 8th grade math, compared to state averages of 61% and higher. This creates a clear "two-tier" system where advanced students thrive while many others struggle to meet basic benchmarks.
With 927 students and a student-teacher ratio of 19.3:1, the school serves a population where about half (49.62%) qualify for free or reduced lunch. Per-student spending is $11,358, which is typical for Florida public schools. The low absenteeism suggests that academic challenges are not due to students missing class, but rather point to potential issues with instructional quality or curriculum alignment for the general student body. Parents should note that performance in core subjects can vary significantly from year to year, making it important to look beyond overall rankings and consider how the school's advanced programs versus standard instruction might fit their child's needs.
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