Summary:
In zip code 34653 of New Port Richey, Florida, four elementary schools serve students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade (with one exception), all part of the Pasco school district, which ranks in the 47th percentile statewide.
Deer Park Elementary School stands out as the top performer in the area, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 57th percentile statewide. It achieves the highest test scores, including 74% proficiency in 3rd Grade ELA and a remarkable 100% proficiency in 6th Grade Math for two consecutive years. Deer Park also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate at 25.0%, well below the district and state averages. In contrast, Calusa Elementary School faces significant challenges, with a 0-star rating, the lowest state ranking in the 6th percentile, and the highest chronic absenteeism at 41.6%. Cotee River Elementary School spends the most per student at $15,603 but has only marginally better test scores than Calusa, despite a lower student-teacher ratio of 11.2. Plato Academy Trinity Charter School offers a unique K-8 program and excels in advanced subjects like Algebra 1 (94% proficiency) and Civics, all while spending the least per student at $8,651.
A key takeaway is that higher spending does not guarantee better results, as Cotee River's high investment yields modest outcomes compared to Deer Park's efficient performance. Chronic absenteeism strongly correlates with lower academic achievement, making it a critical issue for Calusa and Cotee River. For parents, Deer Park provides the strongest overall academic environment, while Plato Academy offers a cost-effective option with a focus on advanced coursework through middle school. Cotee River shows an improving trajectory, rising from the 11th to the 24th percentile over recent years, suggesting positive changes underway.
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