Summary:
Zip code 29565, serving the Latta, SC area, is home to three public schools within the Dillon 03 school district, which holds a 3-star rating and ranks in the 65th percentile statewide. The district educates 1,492 students across Latta Elementary (PK-5, 721 students), Latta Middle (6-8, 349 students), and Latta High (9-12, 422 students).
Each school has a distinct strength. Latta Middle is the academic standout, maintaining a 3-star rating for three consecutive years and posting a phenomenal 91.43% proficiency rate on the Algebra 1 EOCEP exam, far exceeding district and state averages. It also outperforms the state in 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade math. Latta High excels in student outcomes, with a graduation rate (87.5%) above the state average and a dropout rate (1.7%) below it, plus a strong 91.42% proficiency in English 2. Latta Elementary builds a solid foundation, with 3rd-grade ELA (67.2%) and Math (65.6%) proficiency well above state averages.
However, there are notable concerns. Latta Elementary shows a dramatic "5th-grade slump," with proficiency dropping sharply from 4th to 5th grade in both subjects. Latta High presents a "Jekyll and Hyde" picture, with excellent English 2 results but struggles in English 1 (48.54%) and Algebra 1 (47.61%). Spending does not correlate with performance: Latta Elementary spends the most per student ($13,812) yet doesn't lead academically, while Latta Middle spends the least ($8,512) and shows the strongest results. Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide issue, ranging from 15.9% at the elementary to 20.2% at the high school, though all remain below the state average.
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