Summary:
The six schools in Sarasota, Florida (zip code 34233) serve a diverse range of students from elementary through high school, and are part of the highly-rated Sarasota school district, which ranks in the 87th percentile statewide.
This area presents a clear contrast between high-performing traditional schools and specialized programs. Ashton Elementary School is a standout for academic excellence, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 97th percentile of Florida elementary schools, with 97% of 3rd graders proficient in math. For middle school, Sarasota Middle School is a reliable, high-performing institution with a 4-star rating and strong scores in advanced courses like Algebra 1 (94%) and Geometry (99%). At the high school level, Suncoast Polytechnical High School is a top performer with a 5-star rating, a 98.5% graduation rate, and exceptional test scores, including 99% proficiency in US History. In stark contrast, Triad is a specialized therapeutic school (grades 6-12) facing significant challenges, with a 1-star rating, a 7.1% graduation rate, and a 79.2% chronic absenteeism rate, though it spends $55,167 per student to provide intensive support. The two virtual schools, Sarasota Virtual Instruction Program and Sarasota Virtual Academy (Virtual Franchise), offer flexible options but show mixed academic results, with the larger program generally scoring below district averages.
Key takeaways for parents include the strong correlation between socioeconomic factors and performance, as schools with lower free/reduced lunch rates like Ashton (28%) and Sarasota Middle (22%) consistently outperform Triad (74%). Suncoast Polytech achieves top results with a higher student-teacher ratio of 19.1:1, suggesting an effective instructional model. Overall, families in zip code 34233 have access to excellent traditional schools, but should be aware of the wide range of options and challenges present within this single area.
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