Summary:
In zip code 33617, there is only one high school, Focus Academy, a very small school serving grades 6 through 12 in Temple Terrace, Florida, within the Hillsborough County school district.
Focus Academy stands out for its exceptionally small size, with only 110 students, and its unique grade span that combines middle and high school. The school spends a very high $26,318 per student, likely due to the fixed costs of running a small school, and maintains a low student-teacher ratio of 11:1, which can mean more individual attention. However, the school faces significant challenges, including a chronic absenteeism rate of 40.9%, which is much higher than the district and state averages. Despite this, the graduation rate is 87.5%, which is notable but still below the district's 90.9% and the state's 92.2% averages. Over half of the students (52.73%) qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a high level of economic need.
The data suggests Focus Academy is likely an alternative or specialized school designed to serve a vulnerable student population that may not thrive in a larger, traditional high school. The combination of high per-pupil spending, small class sizes, and a relatively high graduation rate despite severe absenteeism points to a flexible, resource-intensive approach to education. Parents considering this school should understand it is not a typical comprehensive high school, but rather a small, supportive environment that may be a good fit for students who need a more personalized setting, though the high absenteeism rate is a key concern to investigate further.
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