Summary:
Zip code 33609 in Tampa, Florida, is home to two elementary schools, Mitchell Elementary School and Bridgeprep Academy Of Tampa, which serve students in the Hillsborough district and present a stark contrast in academic performance and school climate.
Mitchell Elementary School is a standout performer, ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide with a 4-star rating. It excels across all subjects, with 71% of 3rd graders proficient in ELA and 81% in Math, far exceeding district and state averages. The school also boasts an excellent chronic absenteeism rate of just 11.9% and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 16:1. In contrast, Bridgeprep Academy Of Tampa faces significant challenges, ranking in the 4th percentile with a 0-star rating. Only 33% of its 3rd graders are proficient in ELA and 22% in Math, while chronic absenteeism is alarmingly high at 49.5%. Despite spending $1,530 more per student than Mitchell, Bridgeprep’s outcomes are dramatically lower, highlighting a critical disconnect between resources and results.
Key takeaways for parents include the importance of school climate and resource allocation. Mitchell’s low absenteeism and small class sizes correlate strongly with its high achievement, while Bridgeprep’s high student-teacher ratio of 31:1 and poor attendance likely drive its low scores. Interestingly, Bridgeprep has a lower percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (11.29%) than Mitchell (21.78%), suggesting its struggles stem from school-level factors rather than student poverty. For families in 33609, Mitchell offers a proven track record of excellence, while Bridgeprep requires careful consideration of its ongoing challenges.
Thank you for your feedback!