Summary:
Zip code 34428, located in Crystal River, Florida, is home to a single high school, Crystal River High School, which serves grades 9 through 12 with an enrollment of 1,293 students as part of the Citrus County School District.
Crystal River High School presents a mixed picture for parents. On the positive side, the school boasts a strong graduation rate of 96.0%, which exceeds both the district (94.1%) and state (92.2%) averages, suggesting the school is effective at ensuring students complete their diplomas. However, this is contrasted by significant academic challenges. The school's state ranking has slipped slightly, from the 43rd percentile in 2024-2025 to the 37th percentile in 2025-2026. Test scores are consistently below state averages, with the most notable gaps in math: only 34% of students are proficient in Algebra 1 (compared to 63% statewide) and 50% in Geometry (compared to 56% statewide). English Language Arts scores are closer to state benchmarks, with 9th grade at 55% proficiency (vs. 60% statewide) and 10th grade at 49% (vs. 61% statewide).
The most critical concern is the chronic absenteeism rate of 47.3%, which is dramatically higher than the state average of 31.4% and likely a primary driver of the low test scores. This creates a paradox where nearly half the student body is missing significant school, yet the graduation rate remains high. The school spends $10,775 per student with a student-teacher ratio of 19.7:1, and 41.3% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Parents should note that while the school excels at graduating students, the underlying academic proficiency and attendance issues require serious attention, particularly in math instruction where year-over-year scores have shown unusual volatility.
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