Summary:
In zip code 34232, there is one middle school, McIntosh Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 with 693 students in the Sarasota area.
McIntosh Middle School presents a fascinating paradox in its academic performance. The school is a standout in advanced mathematics, with 100% of students proficient in Geometry and 95% proficient in Algebra 1, dramatically exceeding both the Sarasota district and state averages. However, this strength contrasts sharply with a significant weakness in standard 8th-grade math, where only 40% of students are proficient—well below the district average of 58%. The school also shows inconsistent year-over-year improvement; while 6th-grade ELA proficiency jumped from 54% to 67%, 8th-grade math proficiency actually decreased from 44% to 40%. With a per-student spending of $15,184, the school invests above average but achieves only a 52nd percentile state ranking, raising questions about resource allocation. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at 23.7%, higher than the district average of 20.1%, and Civics proficiency at 76% lags significantly behind the district's 86%.
Overall, McIntosh Middle School offers exceptional opportunities for students ready for advanced math but struggles to support the majority of its students in standard grade-level math and civics. The school serves a majority low-income population, with 61.18% of students receiving free or reduced lunch, and has a student-teacher ratio of 16.1:1. Its state ranking has fluctuated, earning 3 stars in 2023-2024, dropping to 2 stars in 2024-2025, and rebounding to 3 stars in 2025-2026. Parents should consider the school's strong advanced math program alongside its challenges in core subjects and attendance when evaluating options.
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