Summary:
In zip code 33563, there is one high school, Plant City High School, serving grades 9-12 with a large enrollment of 2,572 students in the Hillsborough district, which is ranked 45th out of 70 districts in Florida.
Plant City High School presents a mixed profile of strengths and challenges. The school boasts an exceptional graduation rate of 97.2%, well above the district and state averages, and shows a standout strength in Geometry with a 69% proficiency rate, outperforming both the district (54%) and state (56%). However, it struggles with chronic absenteeism at 35.6%, higher than the district and state averages, and consistently lags in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, with 9th and 10th grade scores of 51% and 53% respectively, trailing the district and state by significant margins. The school holds a stable 3-star state ranking, placing in the 58th percentile, and has a high student-teacher ratio of 24.2:1 with per-student spending of $9,005.
A key takeaway is the paradox between the high graduation rate and lower proficiency in core subjects like Algebra 1 (57%) and ELA, suggesting a potential disconnect between completing coursework and mastering state assessments. The stark contrast between strong Geometry scores and weak Algebra 1 performance warrants further investigation into math instruction. Addressing the high chronic absenteeism rate could be a critical lever for improving overall academic outcomes, as it likely contributes to the lower test scores. With a stable ranking and moderate economic disadvantage (50.66% free/reduced lunch), the school appears to be in a holding pattern, excelling in graduation but needing targeted interventions in ELA and attendance to drive meaningful improvement.
Thank you for your feedback!