Summary:
In zip code 33838, there is one middle school, Dundee Ridge Middle Academy, serving grades 6 through 8 with 725 students in the Dundee area, part of the Polk County school district.
Dundee Ridge Middle Academy stands out as a high-poverty school that consistently outperforms its district in nearly every subject. With 72% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the school achieves proficiency rates that often meet or exceed state averages, particularly in advanced coursework. The school's chronic absenteeism rate of 27.5% is significantly lower than the district average of 39.1%, which is a key asset likely driving its academic success. The school holds a 3-star rating and ranks in the 54th percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year, while its district ranks 61st out of 70 in Florida.
The school shows exceptional strength in advanced subjects, with Algebra 1 proficiency at 89%, Geometry at 100%, and Civics at 98%—all dramatically higher than district and state averages. However, there is a notable contrast with standard grade-level math, where only 19% of 7th graders were proficient in the FAST Math exam. This suggests a highly effective advanced learner program but a general math curriculum that may need improvement. Year-over-year performance shows some volatility, such as 7th-grade math dropping from 63% to 19% proficiency, while 8th-grade science jumped from 50% to 62%. Overall, Dundee Ridge Middle Academy is a school that defies expectations, delivering strong results in a challenging environment.
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