Summary:
In zip code 33872, there is one middle school, Hill-Gustat Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 12 in Sebring, Florida, and is part of the Highlands School District.
Hill-Gustat Middle School presents a mixed picture for parents. The school is a standout in advanced academics, with 86% of students proficient in Algebra 1 and 77% proficient in Civics, both significantly outperforming the district and state averages. However, it struggles in core middle school subjects, particularly in 7th and 8th grade math, where proficiency rates of 45% and 48% fall well below state averages. A concerning pattern emerges where 6th graders perform relatively well, but there is a sharp decline in proficiency for 7th and 8th graders, suggesting potential issues with curriculum alignment or student engagement during this transition. The school has a consistent 2-star rating and ranks in the 45th percentile statewide.
Key metrics reveal significant challenges. The school has a very high chronic absenteeism rate of 40.3%, which is worse than both the district and state averages. Over half of the students (53.81%) are economically disadvantaged, and the student-teacher ratio is relatively high at 19.6:1. Despite spending $14,522 per student, a substantial investment, the school's mixed academic results and high absenteeism raise questions about how effectively resources are being used. Year-over-year math scores show significant volatility, making it difficult to assess the true trajectory of the school's math program. For parents, this school offers strong advanced coursework opportunities but requires careful attention to core subject performance and attendance issues.
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