Summary:
Zip code 33570 in Ruskin, FL, is home to three elementary-level schools within the Hillsborough County School District: Ruskin Elementary School, Literacy Leadership Technology Academy South Bay (LLTA South Bay), and Thompson Elementary, serving grades PK-5 (with LLTA South Bay extending to grade 8).
LLTA South Bay stands out as the clear academic leader, earning a 2-star rating and ranking in the 45th percentile statewide, while the other two schools hold 0-star ratings and rank in the bottom 5%. This performance gap is starkly reflected in test scores: 61% of LLTA South Bay's 3rd graders met ELA standards, compared to just 29% at Ruskin Elementary and 28% at Thompson Elementary. LLTA South Bay also excels in advanced coursework, with 94% of students proficient in Geometry and 71% in Algebra 1, far exceeding state averages. However, it spends the least per student ($9,386) and has the highest student-teacher ratio (19.5:1), while Ruskin Elementary spends the most ($13,671) but achieves the lowest results, highlighting that spending effectiveness matters more than the amount.
Chronic absenteeism is a critical factor, with LLTA South Bay at just 14.8%—well below the state average of 31.4%—while Thompson Elementary (39.7%) and Ruskin Elementary (36.6%) face significant attendance challenges. Free/reduced lunch rates also vary dramatically: 71.48% at Ruskin Elementary and 64.89% at Thompson Elementary, versus just 9.47% at LLTA South Bay. This suggests a concentration of resources and stability at LLTA South Bay, while the other two schools serve a higher-needs population, making attendance and academic support key areas for improvement.
Thank you for your feedback!