Best Public Schools in Zip Code 34475

The seven schools in Ocala's 34475 zip code, part of the Marion County district, serve approximately 3,503 students across elementary, middle, high, and alternative education settings, with the district itself ranking in the 10th percentile statewide.

The standout school is Madison Street Academy Of Visual And Performing Arts, an elementary school that ranks in the 98th percentile in Florida with a 5-star rating, achieving proficiency rates 30-40 percentage points above district averages and a remarkably low 5% chronic absenteeism rate. In stark contrast, Ocali Charter High School struggles significantly, ranking in the 18th percentile with a 46.2% chronic absenteeism rate and proficiency rates far below state norms. Vanguard High School, the largest school with 1,684 students, sits in the middle with a 48th percentile ranking and a 91.6% graduation rate that nearly matches the state average, though its Algebra 1 proficiency (39%) lags behind the state (63%). Howard Middle School presents a mixed picture, ranking in the 30th percentile overall but excelling in advanced math, with 86% of 8th graders proficient in Algebra 1. Fordham Early Learning Academy (PK-2) has no test scores available but shows a 20.8% chronic absenteeism rate, while specialized schools like Marion Reg. Juvenile Detention Center and McSo Adults serve unique populations and cannot be compared on standard metrics.

The most critical takeaway is the strong link between low chronic absenteeism and high performance, as seen at Madison Street Academy, while the average chronic absenteeism rate across traditional schools is 28%. Per-student spending varies widely, from $9,579 at Vanguard High School to $13,295 at Madison Street Academy, with McSo Adults spending $38,958 due to its specialized nature. The success of Madison Street Academy proves high performance is possible within this low-ranked district, but it remains the exception, highlighting the challenges faced by schools with higher poverty rates and absenteeism.