Summary:
The four schools in Sarasota, FL (zip code 34231) include one large high school and three elementary schools, all part of the highly-rated Sarasota School District, which ranks in the 87th percentile statewide.
Phillippi Shores Elementary School is the standout academic performer, ranking in the 90th percentile statewide with exceptional proficiency rates (81-87% in Math and 81% in Science), despite having a moderate economic disadvantage rate of 34.77%. In contrast, Wilkinson Elementary School faces significant challenges, ranking in the bottom third of Florida elementary schools (33rd percentile) with the highest economic disadvantage rate at 72.51% and proficiency rates well below district averages. Gulf Gate Elementary School sits in the middle, with average performance but a high poverty rate of 54.87% and volatile state rankings. Riverview High School is a large, consistent performer with a 96.2% graduation rate and strong test scores, operating efficiently with the lowest per-student spending ($12,693) and highest student-teacher ratio (19.6:1).
A key finding is that increased funding does not guarantee success: Wilkinson spends the most per student ($23,696) and has the smallest class sizes (12.9:1), yet struggles with high chronic absenteeism (31.9%) and low performance. Meanwhile, Phillippi Shores spends $8,500 less per student with larger classes but achieves top results. The socioeconomic-achievement gap is pronounced, with academic performance declining as poverty rates increase across the three elementary schools. Riverview High stands out for its cost-effectiveness, achieving strong outcomes despite having the largest student body and lowest spending, suggesting efficient operational and instructional models that scale well.
Thank you for your feedback!