Best Public Schools in Zip Code 33810

The nine public schools in zip code 33810, all part of the Polk County School District, serve over 5,100 students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, with seven elementary schools and two middle schools in a community where 75% of students face economic disadvantage.

The standout performer is Winston Academy Of Engineering, the only school in the area with a 4-star rating and 80th percentile statewide ranking. It achieves 81% ELA proficiency for 5th graders—far exceeding district and state averages—and has a low 17.2% chronic absenteeism rate, compared to the area's staggering 41.9% average. In contrast, Socrum Elementary School represents the biggest challenge, with a 9th percentile ranking, the highest poverty rate (81.26%), and the highest per-student spending ($14,810) yet the lowest academic results—only 25% of 3rd graders proficient in ELA. The two middle schools, Sleepy Hill Middle School and Kathleen Middle School, show a dramatic "middle school cliff," with average proficiency dropping to 37.5% in ELA and 28.3% in Math, though they excel in advanced coursework like Algebra 1 (74% proficient) and Geometry (89.5% proficient).

The most critical issue is the absenteeism crisis, with eight of nine schools exceeding 37% chronic absenteeism—far above the state average of 31.4%. This undermines academic programs, as seen at Sleepy Hill Elementary School and Dr. NE Roberts Elementary School, where high absenteeism correlates with low test scores. The spending paradox is evident: R. Clem Churchwell Elementary School and Kathleen Elementary School spend near the average of $11,583 per student but achieve mixed results, while Griffin Elementary School mirrors the area's typical 50% proficiency rates. Winston Academy proves that high achievement is possible here, but systemic challenges in attendance and middle school transition require urgent attention.