Middle Schools in Palm Beach

The 36 middle schools located in Palm Beach, Florida serve students in grades 6-8 across a diverse range of academic performance and student demographics. While the district as a whole ranks 41st out of 68 in the state, several standout schools demonstrate that high achievement is possible, even in this challenging environment.

At the top of the pack are schools like Don Estridge High Technical Middle School, which ranks 25th in Florida and boasts exceptional test scores, with over 90% proficiency in many subjects. Bak Middle School Of The Arts and Somerset Academy Boca Middle School also stand out, with 5-star ratings, high rankings, and impressive academic performance. In contrast, schools like Lake Worth Community Middle and Jeaga Middle School struggle, with proficiency rates often below 30%.

The data reveals a clear correlation between student demographics, poverty levels, and academic outcomes. Schools with higher proportions of minority and economically disadvantaged students tend to have lower test scores and higher chronic absenteeism rates. However, the success of the charter schools in the district suggests that factors beyond just funding and district policies, such as school culture and teaching quality, can play a key role in driving student achievement.