Summary:
Zip code 33513 in Bushnell, Florida, is home to five schools within the Sumter County School District, serving approximately 1,953 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, including traditional elementary and high schools alongside three alternative programs.
For parents, the standout traditional school is Bushnell Elementary School, which consistently exceeds state and district averages in core subjects like math and science, earning a strong 4-star rating. In contrast, South Sumter High School boasts an impressive 97.6% graduation rate, far above the state average, yet struggles with a high chronic absenteeism rate of 39.4%, suggesting a disconnect between attendance and graduation outcomes. The alternative schools present a stark contrast: Sumter Prep Academy faces significant challenges with a 0% graduation rate and 79.6% chronic absenteeism, while spending over $28,000 per student—more than double the cost of traditional schools—to provide intensive support. Meanwhile, Sumter Virtual Franchise achieves perfect metrics with a 100% graduation rate and zero absenteeism, though it serves only 17 students, highlighting the effectiveness of virtual learning for a specific population.
Key takeaways include the high cost of remediation at Sumter Prep Academy, the paradox of South Sumter High's high graduation rate despite widespread absenteeism, and the strong foundational success at Bushnell Elementary. The two virtual schools, including Sumter County Virtual Instruction Program, serve a tiny fraction of students but demonstrate that alternative models can be highly effective for the right learners. Overall, this zip code offers a diverse range of educational options, from high-performing elementary programs to specialized interventions, but parents should carefully consider the significant disparities in outcomes and resources between schools.
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