Summary:
In zip code 33896, there is one middle school, Mater Academy Davenport Middle School, a public charter school serving grades 6 and 7 with 334 students in the Polk district, an area with high economic need where 65.87% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Mater Academy Davenport Middle School is a standout in its district, outperforming the low-ranked Polk district in 10 out of 11 tested subjects. The school excels at accelerating top students into high school courses, with exceptional Algebra 1 EOC proficiency at 92% and Biology 1 EOC proficiency at 82%, far exceeding both district and state averages. However, this strength contrasts with a significant weakness in 8th Grade Statewide Science, where only 34% of students are proficient, well below the state average of 52%. The school ranks 643rd out of 1,216 Florida middle schools (47th percentile, 2-star rating), placing it in the middle statewide.
Key metrics show the school operates efficiently with below-average spending of $7,318 per student and a high student-teacher ratio of 27.8:1, yet achieves solid results. Chronic absenteeism is 28.2%, better than the district's 39.1% and the state's 31.4%. Year-over-year math scores are volatile, with 7th Grade Math jumping from 38% to 60% proficiency, while 8th Grade Math dropped from 83% to 65%. This suggests a "two-schools" dynamic where resources may focus on advanced learners, leaving general education in standard subjects like 8th-grade science behind. For families, this school offers a strong option that defies the district's reputation, but the high absenteeism and uneven performance across subjects are important factors to consider.
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