Summary:
In zip code 34601, Brooksville, Florida, there are two middle schools serving grades 6-8 within the Hernando school district: the large, traditional D. S. Parrott Middle School and the small, specialized magnet school Brooksville Engineering Science And Technology (B.E.S.T.).
The standout school in this area is clearly B.E.S.T., which dramatically outperforms D. S. Parrott across nearly every academic metric. B.E.S.T. holds a 3-star rating and ranks in the 67th percentile statewide, while D. S. Parrott has a 1-star rating and ranks in the 27th percentile. B.E.S.T. achieves this with only 88 students and a low student-teacher ratio of 14.6, compared to D. S. Parrott's 745 students and ratio of 19.6. For example, B.E.S.T. posts a 72.3% average ELA proficiency and a 65.7% average math proficiency, far exceeding D. S. Parrott's 46.7% and 48.3%, respectively. B.E.S.T. is a STEM powerhouse, achieving a 96% proficiency rate in Algebra 1 and an 82% proficiency rate in Civics. However, D. S. Parrott shows a notable strength in advanced math, with 100% proficiency in Geometry and 80% in Algebra 1, suggesting its advanced students are well-served even as the general student body struggles.
The most critical challenge at D. S. Parrott is its chronic absenteeism rate of 59.4%, nearly double the state average of 31.4%, which directly correlates with its low academic performance. In contrast, B.E.S.T.'s absenteeism rate is 40.2%, closer to the district average. While both schools spend a similar amount per student (around $10,300-$10,500), B.E.S.T.'s magnet model and smaller size create a focused, high-achieving environment. Parents should note that B.E.S.T.'s small enrollment can cause significant year-to-year score volatility, as seen in 8th-grade math scores swinging from 27% to 78% in one year. Overall, B.E.S.T. offers a superior academic environment, while D. S. Parrott faces systemic challenges that require significant intervention.
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