Summary:
This analysis examines three middle schools in Kissimmee, FL (zip code 34744), serving grades 6 through 8 within the Osceola school district, which is ranked in the bottom 20% of Florida districts.
Sports Leadership Arts Management (Slam) is the standout school in the area, despite being the smallest with only 170 students. It consistently outperforms its larger peers across nearly all academic metrics, achieving exceptional proficiency rates in 8th Grade ELA (82%), 8th Grade Math (80%), and Civics (91%). However, its state ranking has declined sharply from the 95th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 62nd percentile in 2025-2026. Neptune Middle School is the largest school (1,040 students) and serves as a solid, middle-of-the-pack option, holding a consistent 2-star rating and ranking in the 46th-50th percentile over the last three years. Denn John Middle School is the lowest-performing school, ranking in the bottom 12th percentile and struggling significantly in core subjects like math and science.
Key findings reveal an inverse relationship between spending and performance: Denn John spends the most per student ($11,424) but achieves the lowest scores, while Slam spends the least ($10,331) and achieves the highest. Chronic absenteeism is a strong leading indicator of performance, with Slam having the lowest rate (10.8%) and Denn John the highest (27.7%). All three schools excel in advanced coursework, with 100% proficiency in Geometry at both Neptune and Denn John, suggesting strong preparation for top-tier students even when general education performance is weaker. For parents, Slam offers the best academic outcomes but shows a concerning downward trend, Neptune provides consistent, average performance, and Denn John faces significant challenges despite higher spending.
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