Summary:
This analysis examines three elementary-level schools in the 33572 zip code (Apollo Beach, FL), all part of the Hillsborough County School District, serving grades PK-5 or PK-8 in a suburban area with a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Dorothy C York PK-8 Magnet School is the standout performer, consistently earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 83rd percentile statewide. It boasts the highest test scores, with 87% of 3rd graders proficient in both ELA and Math, far exceeding state averages. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (11.7%) and the lowest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (24.04%). In contrast, Doby Elementary School is the lowest-performing school, with a 2-star rating and a 44th percentile rank. Doby has the highest chronic absenteeism rate (38.6%) and the highest free/reduced lunch percentage (43.68%), and its test scores often fall below state averages, such as 52% proficiency in 3rd-grade ELA. Apollo Beach K-8 School sits in the middle, earning a 4-star rating and 78th percentile rank, with generally above-average scores but some variability, like 58% proficiency in 4th-grade ELA (below the state average).
A key finding is the inverse relationship between spending and performance: Doby has the highest per-student spending ($12,133) and lowest student-teacher ratio (13.9:1), yet the lowest test scores, while York has lower spending ($10,878) and a higher ratio (15.8:1) but the best outcomes. Chronic absenteeism strongly correlates with performance, as York’s low rate (11.7%) contrasts sharply with Doby’s high rate (38.6%). Additionally, York excels in advanced subjects, with 96% proficiency in Algebra 1 and 100% in Geometry, though its 7th-grade Math proficiency (29%) is a notable weakness. Apollo Beach shows mixed results, with strong 5th-grade Math (84%) but weaker 4th-grade ELA, indicating instructional variability.
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