Summary:
Zip code 33556 in Odessa, Florida, is home to three high-performing schools—two elementary and one middle school—serving families across the Pasco and Hillsborough school districts, with no high schools or alternative schools in the area.
The standout schools in this zip code are Walker Middle Magnet School and Hammond Elementary School, both earning 5-star ratings and ranking in the 96th and 97th percentiles statewide. Walker Middle Magnet achieves elite test scores—98% proficiency in Algebra 1 and 100% in Geometry—despite having the highest student-teacher ratio (20.8:1) and lowest per-student spending ($9,692), suggesting its success is driven by a selective magnet program and motivated students. Hammond Elementary excels in math, with 88-91% proficiency across grades 3-5, and invests heavily in resources with the highest per-student spending ($11,767) and lowest student-teacher ratio (14.4:1). Starkey Ranch K-8, a large K-8 school with nearly 2,000 students, is a consistent 4-star performer (85-89th percentile) and has the lowest rate of economic disadvantage (11.47% free/reduced lunch), making it a reliable option for families seeking a single-school pathway through 8th grade.
All three schools have low chronic absenteeism rates (11.6-13.8%), well below the state average of 31.4%. A key takeaway is the contrast between districts: the Hillsborough County schools (Walker and Hammond) achieve elite 5-star status, while the Pasco County school (Starkey Ranch) is a strong 4-star performer. This highlights that top-tier performance in this zip code is concentrated in Hillsborough, though Starkey Ranch remains a solid choice for its size and consistency.
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