Summary:
In zip code 34689 (Tarpon Springs, FL), three elementary schools serve grades PK/K through 5 within the Pinellas County School District, offering a wide range of academic environments and outcomes for families.
Tarpon Springs Fundamental Ele stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 99th percentile statewide with a 5-star rating and exceptional test scores—over 90% proficiency in both ELA and Math. In contrast, Tarpon Springs Elementary School faces significant challenges, ranking in the 50th percentile with a 2-star rating and struggling with high chronic absenteeism (36.7%) and poverty rates (74.82% free/reduced lunch). Sunset Hills Elementary School provides a strong middle ground, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 85th percentile, with solid Science (85% proficient) and Math scores, plus a clear upward trend in performance over recent years.
A key takeaway is that higher spending does not guarantee better results: the lowest-performing school spends the most per student ($16,192), while the top school spends less ($13,470). Chronic absenteeism emerges as a powerful predictor of success, with the top school having only 10.9% absenteeism compared to 36.7% at the struggling school. Families should also note the stark contrast between the two Tarpon Springs schools, which are less than a mile apart but serve vastly different student populations, highlighting how socioeconomic factors heavily influence academic outcomes in this area.
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