Columbia

The Columbia school district in Florida encompasses 16 schools, including 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. The district serves a diverse student population, with varying academic performance and socioeconomic backgrounds across the schools.

Among the standout schools in the district, Belmont Academy, a public charter school, stands out with exceptional performance across multiple metrics. It boasts the highest 4-year graduation rate at 97.6% and its students significantly outperform the district and state averages on standardized tests, especially in math and science. Additionally, Westside Elementary and Eastside Elementary are among the top-performing elementary schools in the district and state, with strong test scores, low chronic absenteeism, and relatively high spending per student.

However, the data also reveals a significant performance gap between the highest and lowest-performing schools, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation to support struggling schools. The district-wide 4-year graduation rate of 91.7% and the 3-star rating from SchoolDigger indicate room for improvement in overall academic performance. The high chronic absenteeism rates, especially at the alternative and lower-performing schools, are a concern and likely contribute to the achievement gaps observed across the district.