Summary:
The 15 schools in zip code 33830 (Bartow, FL) serve a diverse range of students from Pre-K through 12th grade within the Polk County School District, which ranks in the 13th percentile statewide, creating a challenging baseline for the area.
Two schools stand out as exceptional performers. Bartow Elementary Academy ranks in the 76th percentile (4 stars) and Union Academy ranks in the 75th percentile (4 stars), both significantly outperforming the district average. These schools share notably low chronic absenteeism rates (17.6% and 14.5%, respectively) and lower poverty rates (around 49%). In stark contrast, Compass Middle Charter School (5th percentile) and Gause Academy Of Leadership (17th percentile) face extreme challenges, with chronic absenteeism rates of 66.7% and 76.6% and poverty rates exceeding 86%. Bartow Senior High School is a beacon of stability, boasting a 96% graduation rate that far exceeds the district (87.7%) and state (92.2%) averages.
A critical finding is that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes. James E. Stephens Academy spends $17,386 per student but ranks in the 52nd percentile, while Bartow Elementary Academy spends just $11,212 per student and is the top-ranked school. The "middle school slump" is evident across the board, with math proficiency scores dropping significantly even at high-performing Union Academy. The alternative schools, including Hospital Homebound and Jean O'Dell Learning Center, have extremely high per-student spending (up to $61,739) reflecting the intensive resources required for specialized services, yet academic outcomes remain very low, highlighting the immense difficulty of their mission.
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