Summary:
The city of Palatka, Florida is home to 8 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 2 alternative schools. The data reveals a mix of high-performing and struggling schools, with significant disparities in student outcomes and resource allocation across the district.
The standout school in Palatka is The Children's Reading Center, a public charter elementary school that consistently ranks among the top in the state. With 92% of 6th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts and 96% in Math, the school's academic performance far exceeds the district and state averages. In contrast, many of the traditional public schools in Palatka struggle, with low proficiency rates and high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 27.7% to 67.0%.
The data also reveals significant achievement gaps between racial/ethnic groups across the schools, with White students generally outperforming their African American and Hispanic peers. Additionally, the alternative schools, Mellon Learning Center and Putnam Virtual Franchise, receive significantly more per-student funding than the traditional public schools, raising questions about resource allocation and its impact on student outcomes. Overall, the educational landscape in Palatka, Putnam district, is complex, with both bright spots and significant challenges that will require a multi-faceted approach to address.
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