Summary:
The city of Cape Coral, Florida is home to 6 high schools serving grades 9-12, with a range of academic performance and student demographics. Among these schools, Oasis Charter High School stands out as the top performer, consistently ranking in the top 20% of Lee County high schools and boasting impressive test scores and a 98.9% 4-year graduation rate. In contrast, North Nicholas High School is the weakest performer, ranking in the bottom 5% of Florida high schools with very low proficiency rates and a concerning 24.5% 4-year graduation rate.
The high schools in Cape Coral vary significantly in size, from 315 students at North Nicholas to 1,933 students at Ida S. Baker High School. Racial demographics also differ, with Oasis Charter having a higher percentage of White students compared to the other schools. Chronic absenteeism rates range from 32.8% at Cape Coral High School to 73.6% at North Nicholas, which likely contributes to the low academic performance at some schools.
Despite relatively consistent per-student spending across the schools, the performance gap between the top and bottom schools is substantial, suggesting that factors beyond funding, such as school leadership, teacher quality, and student support services, play a significant role in driving student outcomes. The presence of a high-performing charter school, Oasis Charter High School, indicates that school choice and alternative models may be beneficial for some students in the Cape Coral community.
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