Summary:
Zip code 34205 in Bradenton, FL, is home to three high schools within the Manatee school district, serving grades 7 through 12 and ranging dramatically in size from a large traditional public school to two specialized alternative programs.
Manatee High School is the area's academic anchor, with nearly 2,000 students and the highest graduation rate at 90.6%. It holds a 3-star rating and ranks 456th out of 838 schools statewide, though its performance is mixed—excelling in Biology and US History but struggling in math, with only 37% proficient in Algebra 1 compared to the state average of 63%. A major concern is its chronic absenteeism rate of 44.2%, far worse than the district and state averages, which likely contributes to its recent slip from a 3-star to a 2-star rating. In stark contrast, Bradenton Bay High School faces severe challenges: it spends the most per student ($12,416) yet has the worst outcomes, including a 22% graduation rate and 0% proficiency in Algebra 1. Its high student-teacher ratio of 28.5:1 suggests limited individualized attention despite the high spending.
Pace Center For Girls offers a unique alternative, serving only 56 at-risk girls with a specialized mission. While it lacks test score and graduation data, it achieves the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the area at 14.9%—significantly better than the district (29.4%) and state (31.4%)—despite serving the highest percentage of economically disadvantaged students (76.79% free/reduced lunch). This suggests its supportive environment is highly effective at keeping students engaged. Overall, parents in this zip code face a clear choice: Manatee High School provides the strongest traditional academics but struggles with attendance, while Bradenton Bay High School and Pace Center For Girls serve specific high-needs populations with very different results.
Thank you for your feedback!