Summary:
In zip code 34691 (Holiday, FL), there is one middle school, Paul R. Smith Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 with 830 students as part of the Pasco County school district.
Paul R. Smith Middle School faces significant academic challenges, with a three-year declining state ranking that now places it in the bottom 13% of Florida middle schools (1-star rating). The school's most critical weakness is in mathematics, where proficiency rates are drastically below district and state averages—for example, only 12% of 7th graders were proficient in math compared to 53% statewide. However, there is a notable exception: students taking Algebra 1 (an advanced course) achieved 75% proficiency, outperforming both the district (62%) and state (63%). This "Algebra 1 paradox" suggests the school effectively accelerates a small group of advanced students while the majority struggle with standard math curriculum. English Language Arts scores also lag, ranging from 44% to 47% proficiency across grades, compared to state averages of 60-62%. Chronic absenteeism affects nearly one in three students (30.8%), slightly above the district average, and the school serves a high-poverty population with 63.98% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
Key metrics include a student-teacher ratio of 17.8:1 and per-student spending of $10,050. Beyond math and reading, the school underperforms in science (30% proficient vs. 52% statewide) and civics (66% proficient vs. 77% statewide). The overall trend is concerning, with most subject scores declining year-over-year. For parents considering this school, the data highlights a need for targeted support in core subjects, particularly for students not in the advanced math track, while acknowledging the strong performance of the Algebra 1 program.
Thank you for your feedback!