Summary:
Zip code 34604 in Brooksville, Florida, is home to two schools within the Hernando County School District, a district ranked 46th out of 70 in the state: Nature Coast Technical High (grades 9-12) and Chocachatti Elementary School (grades PK-5).
The standout school in this area is Chocachatti Elementary, which consistently earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 85th-88th percentile statewide—a remarkable achievement within a 2-star district. Its academic performance is exceptional, with 5th-grade math proficiency 24 points above the state average and 3rd-grade English Language Arts proficiency 25 points above. The school also boasts a low chronic absenteeism rate of 22.1% and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15.6:1, supported by higher per-student spending of $11,527. In contrast, Nature Coast Technical High holds a solid 3-star rating and performs at or above district averages, with a strong 95.3% graduation rate. However, it shows mixed results, excelling in Biology 1 and 9th-grade ELA (which improved 19 points year-over-year) but struggling in Algebra 1, where proficiency is 12 points below the state average. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 33.7% is a concern, and its larger class sizes (20.5:1) and lower spending ($10,638 per student) may contribute to its more moderate performance.
A key takeaway is the potential "drop-off" in academic rigor as students transition from the high-performing Chocachatti Elementary to Nature Coast Technical High, which does not maintain the same level of exceptional performance. Both schools have similar levels of economic disadvantage, with about 34-36% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. While Chocachatti Elementary benefits from more resources and smaller classes, Nature Coast Technical High shows promising improvement trends in key subjects, suggesting targeted interventions are working. For parents, this zip code offers a top-tier elementary option paired with a solid, improving high school that provides a strong foundation for college and career readiness.
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