Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools in zip code 33596 (Valrico, FL), including three traditional public schools serving grades PK-5 and one charter school serving grades K-8, all within the Hillsborough County School District.
Lithia Springs Elementary School is the clear academic leader in the area, consistently ranking in the top 15% of Florida elementary schools and earning a 4-star rating. It achieves the highest test scores across all subjects while maintaining the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (17.4%) and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15.6:1. Cimino Elementary School is also a strong performer, ranking in the 75th percentile with a 4-star rating and solid proficiency rates. In contrast, Alafia Elementary School shows inconsistent performance, with its state rank dropping from the 80th to the 56th percentile recently, despite having the highest spending per student ($12,726) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (13.9:1). Navigator Academy Of Leadership Valrico presents a paradox: despite having the wealthiest student body (only 9.27% on free/reduced lunch), it is the lowest-performing school, ranking in the 45th percentile with a 2-star rating, likely due to its high student-teacher ratio (25.5:1) and highest chronic absenteeism rate (30.6%).
The data reveals that chronic absenteeism is a critical differentiator in this area, with the top-performing schools having the lowest rates. While the three traditional public schools all spend significantly more per student ($10,910-$12,726) than the charter school ($7,239) and have smaller class sizes, this investment does not guarantee success, as Alafia's performance lags despite its highest spending. For parents, Lithia Springs Elementary stands out as the most consistently excellent choice, while Cimino Elementary offers a strong alternative with stable performance.
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