Summary:
Zip code 33872 in Sebring, Florida, is home to two public schools—Hill-Gustat Middle School (grades 6-12) and Sun 'n Lake Elementary School (grades PK-5)—serving a combined 1,257 students within the Highlands School District, which holds a 2-star rating and ranks 43rd out of 70 districts in Florida.
Sun 'n Lake Elementary School stands out as the top performer in the area, consistently earning a 3-star rating and exceeding district and state averages in every subject and grade level tested. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 24.9% is well below both the district and state averages, and it serves a student body where 62.93% qualify for free or reduced lunch. In contrast, Hill-Gustat Middle School faces significant challenges, with a 2-star rating and a chronic absenteeism rate of 40.3%—far higher than the state average of 31.4%. Despite spending $14,522 per student (35% more than Sun 'n Lake's $10,774), Hill-Gustat struggles with grade-level proficiency, particularly in 8th-grade math, where only 48% of students are proficient compared to the district average of 60%. However, the school excels in advanced math, with Algebra 1 EOC proficiency rates of 86-88%, far exceeding state averages.
A key takeaway is the dramatic "middle school slump" evident in the data: as students move from Sun 'n Lake to Hill-Gustat, chronic absenteeism more than doubles, and overall test scores drop. This suggests that while Sun 'n Lake is a model elementary school within the district, Hill-Gustat faces more complex challenges with its older student population. The spending paradox—where higher per-student funding at Hill-Gustat does not yield better outcomes—highlights the need for targeted interventions, especially in grade-level math and attendance. For parents, Sun 'n Lake offers a strong elementary foundation, while Hill-Gustat provides exceptional opportunities for advanced math students but requires careful attention to overall student engagement and support.
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