Gadsden

The Gadsden school district in Florida consists of 15 schools, including 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 3 alternative schools, serving a predominantly low-income student population. While the district as a whole faces significant challenges, with many schools struggling with low test scores, high absenteeism, and poor overall rankings, a few standout schools, such as Gadsden Elementary Magnet School and Crossroad Academy, are excelling and demonstrating the potential for improvement across the district.

Gadsden Elementary Magnet School ranks among the top elementary schools in the district and the state, with strong test scores and relatively low chronic absenteeism. In contrast, Crossroad Academy, a public charter school, stands out for its impressive 91.1% four-year graduation rate, significantly higher than the district's other high schools. Meanwhile, Chattahoochee Elementary School has the highest 5th grade science proficiency rate in the district at 50%.

The data reveals significant disparities in performance and outcomes across the Gadsden school district, with the high rates of free/reduced lunch recipients (over 80% on average) suggesting that the schools are serving a predominantly low-income student population. This likely contributes to the challenges they face in terms of academic achievement and other outcomes. However, the success of Crossroad Academy highlights the potential benefits of school choice and alternative educational models within the district, and the high-performing Gadsden Elementary Magnet School demonstrates that with the right strategies and resources, there is potential for significant improvement across the Gadsden school district.