Summary:
Zip code 33935, encompassing the Labelle area in Florida, is home to six schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a notable divide between the five schools in the Hendry district and the standout West Glades School in the Glades district.
The clear top performer is West Glades School, a PK-8 school that ranks in the 80th percentile statewide and achieves exceptional test scores, including 100% proficiency in Geometry and 97% in 3rd Grade Math. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the area at 23.5%, well below the state average. In contrast, the five Hendry district schools face significant challenges, with an average chronic absenteeism rate of 36% and high economic disadvantage, as free/reduced lunch rates range from 46% to 65%. Among these, Labelle Elementary School stands out as the most improved, jumping from the 8th to the 58th percentile in just two years, with strong math scores. Meanwhile, Labelle High School struggles with a 42.4% chronic absenteeism rate and a graduation rate of 88.5%, below the state average, while Edward A. Upthegrove Elementary has stagnated despite similar demographics to its improving neighbor.
Key takeaways for parents include the overwhelming influence of the school district on performance, with Glades district providing a clear advantage. Middle school math is a consistent weakness across Hendry schools, as seen at Labelle Middle School, where proficiency rates are well below state averages. Spending does not correlate with success, as the highest-spending school, Labelle Elementary, is a mid-tier performer, while the top-performing West Glades School spends less than some struggling peers. For families, West Glades School offers the strongest academic outcomes, while Labelle Elementary shows promising recent improvement within the Hendry district.
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