Best Public Schools in Zip Code 33870

The seven public schools in zip code 33870 (Sebring, FL) serve a diverse student population across elementary, middle, and high school levels, all within the Highlands school district, which is ranked below the state average.

Academic performance varies dramatically across the area. Sebring Middle School stands out for its exceptional Algebra 1 End-of-Course exam proficiency rate of 96%, far exceeding state and district averages. Woodlawn Elementary School shows a positive trend, being the only school in the area to have recently achieved a 3-star rating, with math scores consistently meeting or exceeding state averages. In contrast, The Academy At Youth Care Lane faces severe challenges, with a critically low 29.2% graduation rate and single-digit proficiency in core subjects like Algebra 1. Highlands Virtual School is a bright spot for student engagement, boasting a chronic absenteeism rate of just 16.3% and strong ELA scores in 7th and 9th grades.

Key metrics reveal a community grappling with high poverty, as the average free/reduced lunch rate across schools is 64.3%. Spending per student varies widely, from $13,627 at Fred Wild Elementary School to $8,808 at Highlands Virtual School, but higher spending does not correlate with better outcomes. Chronic absenteeism is a major issue, particularly at Sebring High School (40.1%) and The Academy (40.2%), while the Highlands County Hospital/Homebound Program reports a 0% rate. Overall, parents will find a mix of standout programs and significant challenges, with the virtual school and Sebring Middle School offering notable academic strengths.