Largo Middle School

Summary:

Largo Middle School is a public middle school serving 882 students in grades 6-8 in Largo, Florida, which is part of the Pinellas County School District. While the school has a diverse student population, it faces challenges with high chronic absenteeism rates and lower academic performance compared to nearby middle schools and the district as a whole.

Largo Middle School's student body is more racially diverse than many of the surrounding schools, with 40.59% White, 21.66% African American, 28.34% Hispanic, 2.83% Asian, and 5.78% two or more races. However, the school has struggled with high chronic absenteeism, reaching 32.5% in the 2022-2023 school year, significantly higher than the 20.8% to 31.8% range of nearby schools. Academically, Largo Middle School's proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math are lower than the Pinellas County and Florida state averages, with 43-46% proficiency in ELA and 24-44% in Math, compared to the district's 52-57% in ELA and 27-60% in Math.

Largo Middle School's performance has been declining over the past several years, with its statewide ranking dropping from 702 out of 1,035 Florida middle schools in 2017-2018 to 770 out of 1,196 in 2023-2024. This decline in performance is concerning, especially given the school's relatively high per-student spending of $9,930 in 2022-2023. When compared to nearby middle schools, such as Clearwater Fundamental Middle and Dunedin Highland Middle, which have similar demographics, Largo Middle School significantly underperforms in terms of test scores, chronic absenteeism, and statewide rankings.


Detail:

Public, Magnet 6-8

 155 8th Ave SE
       Largo, FL  33771


(727) 588-4600

District: Pinellas

SchoolDigger Rank:
770th of 1,196 Florida Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,930 Help


Students who attend Largo Middle School usually attend:

High:    Largo High School

Feeder schools for Largo Middle School:

Elementary:    Belleair Elementary School
    Mildred Helms Elementary School
    Ponce De Leon Elementary School
    Southern Oak Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  20.0 Help
Number of students:  882

Racial breakdown:

White:
40.6%
Hispanic:
28.3%
African American:
21.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  66.3% Help


 See top rated Florida middle schools

 Compare Largo Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Largo Middle School ranks worse than 64.4% of middle schools in Florida. It also ranks 17th among 20 ranked middle schools in the Pinellas School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 36.78. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Largo Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (40.6%), Hispanic (28.3%), African American (21.7%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 66.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Largo Middle School is 20. 14 middle schools in the Pinellas School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Largo Middle School employs 44 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Largo Middle School is $9,930, which is the 9th highest among 20 middle schools in the Pinellas School District.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Largo Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Largo Middle School 770th of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See Largo Middle School in the ranking list.)

Pinellas:

SchoolDigger ranks Pinellas 23rd of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Largo Middle School.

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Rank History for Largo Middle School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools FL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 51.96 306th 593 48.4%
2005 57.45 279th 602 53.7%
2006 51.50 342nd 675 49.3%
2007 58.11 316th 736 57.1%
2008 55.87 354th 740 52.2%
2009 51.07 415th 780 46.8%
2010 40.57 550th 839 34.4%
2011 29.93 656th 891 26.4%
2012 23.08 699th 897 22.1%
2013 24.02 740th 956 22.6%
2014 17.55 851st 999 14.8%
2016 23.06 781st 997 21.7%
2017 31.98 701st 1031 32.0%
2018 32.76 702nd 1035 32.2%
2019 34.32 751st 1099 31.7%
2021 29.10 816th 1136 28.2%
2022 33.69 760th 1148 33.8%
2023 30.83 833rd 1177 29.2%
2024 36.78 770th 1196 35.6%
See the entire list of Florida Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Largo Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    






Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2.6)
40%

0%

0%

0%

60%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Open Quote My daughter enrolled in the IB program that started at LMS this past year. I was hesitant to allow her to attend because of the reviews; but changed my mind after visiting the school a few times and watching the students interactions with each other. I am so glad I did as this was the best year she has ever had in school. The teachers and staff were great; the principal and vice principle are very caring and involved. The music department is outstanding. She really enjoyed the year and is very excited about 2016/2017! All I can say is don't be put off by the low test scores; if you are a motivated student you will do well. The school has a lot of lower income and English as second language students who struggle. However, from what I have seen, the schools really works with these students to encourage and motivate them. That is something a lot of schools do not do as they are only worried about the test scores and try to push out any student who cannot help the scores. Largo Middle School staff actually cares much more about the students and strives to help them all; they are not just concerned about test scores. They seem to understand the difficulty many students in this demographic have with standardized tests. I knew we had made the right choice when my daughter came home after the first month or so and said "I LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL"! By the way, she scored a 5 on the FSA in both ELA and MATH. Close Quote


by a parent
Saturday, April 16, 2016

Open Quote A school that does not handle the problems that go on!!! Bullying left and right from kids and parents nothing done!!
My child has subs in almost all her classes daily!! Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Open Quote Not sure if this is where I'm supposed to post, but maybe someone can point me in the right direction.

My two grandsons were not allowed to walk in their graduation ceremony today because they had on jeans ( clean,pressed & golf like shirts ) One of them was supposed to get two awards. How do you think that made him feel ? Meanwhile there were children there in shorts & tee shirts. & girls looking like they were going to a nite club. When we went to the office to see if they would make an exception, they flat out said NO. The one woman we spoke to had on jeans & when we said " you have on jeans " her response was 'AND ' very rude !
There were also other office personnel wearing flip flops. We again asked " shouldn't you be setting an example, if the children have to dress a certain way, shouldn't the staff also ?
They said an emphatic NO ! Again rude...
There was NEVER a letter sent home telling them how to dress for graduation, just to look presentable, which they were. More so than the ones in shorts & tee shirts & nite club dresses.
My grandsons were embarrassed & upset. After all it was the last day of school & their last day in that school. ( Largo Middle ) They also never got to call anyone to bring them other pants either until right before the ceremony started. Someone needs to address this problem. If they are supposed to wear certain things then parents should be informed or have them wear cap & gown. They talk about Children first, well this school obviously DOES NOT put the Children First.
To let them leave there without graduating with classmates they have been going to school with for three years, it's humiliating & not very good for self esteem. I think they owe these & the other children they sent home a huge apology. They will never get that graduation back again !
I for one am appalled at such behavior by adults that are supposed to be shaping our youth & teaching them right from wrong. This was clearly WRONG in every sense of the word.

Sent from my iPad Close Quote



Enrollment information for Largo Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1019 145 17 9 2 n/a n/a 0 1192
1989 995 146 16 5 1 n/a n/a 0 1163
1990 1032 119 18 15 0 n/a n/a 0 1184
1991 1036 135 18 20 1 n/a n/a 0 1210
1992 1066 152 24 26 1 n/a n/a 0 1269
1993 1068 146 20 29 4 n/a n/a 0 1267
1994 1084 150 23 38 2 n/a n/a 0 1297
1995 1033 151 28 35 3 n/a n/a 0 1250
1996 1033 151 28 35 3 n/a n/a 0 1250
1997 1047 166 36 40 3 n/a n/a 0 1292
1998 1046 192 32 35 3 n/a n/a 0 1308
1999 1025 197 31 38 3 n/a n/a 0 1294
2000 965 179 32 57 1 n/a n/a 0 1234
2001 1011 192 30 101 2 n/a n/a 0 1336
2002 1169 236 33 121 9 n/a n/a 0 1568
2003 1169 236 33 121 9 n/a n/a 0 1568
2004 1036 234 31 115 12 n/a n/a 0 1428
2005 884 198 27 139 11 n/a n/a 0 1259
2006 808 184 20 159 10 n/a n/a 0 1181
2007 727 151 23 189 5 n/a n/a 44 1139
2008 681 143 28 201 7 n/a n/a 46 1106
2009 635 148 23 177 4 n/a n/a 59 1046
2010 618 170 27 159 7 n/a n/a 77 1058
2011 537 187 28 142 6 3 28 0 931
2012 522 176 28 186 4 1 29 0 946
2013 428 142 20 200 4 4 31 0 829
2014 381 150 26 218 3 5 39 0 822
2015 325 119 25 211 4 6 43 0 733
2016 325 131 24 216 2 6 55 0 759
2017 349 125 30 217 3 3 49 0 776
2018 358 135 35 234 3 4 43 0 812
2019 317 158 31 250 4 4 41 0 805
2020 338 179 25 288 3 3 39 0 875
2021 331 191 21 278 1 4 45 0 871
2022 353 181 24 273 3 2 54 0 890
2023 358 191 25 250 1 6 51 0 882

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Largo Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1192 68.0 17.5 37.7
1989 1163 68.0 17.1 31.5
1990 1184 68.0 17.4 30
1991 1210 64.0 18.9 30.8
1992 1269 69.0 18.3 26.5
1993 1267 61.0 20.8 25.8
1994 1297 61.0 21.3 35.5
1995 1250 65.0 19.2 29.5
1996 1250 65.0 19.2 29.5
1997 1292 64.0 20.2 34.1
1998 1308 60.0 21.8 33.6
1999 1294 60.0 21.6 44.7
2000 1234 59.0 20.9 41.1
2001 1336 62.0 21.5 42.2
2002 1568 74.0 21.2 48.4
2003 1568 74.0 21.2 48.4
2004 1428 71.0 20.1 51.7
2005 1259 71.0 17.7 53.5
2006 1181 67.0 17.6 50.2
2007 1139 63.0 18.1 54.9
2008 1106 65.0 17.0 53.9
2009 1046 68.1 17.4 59.6
2010 1058 61.0 17.3 68.3
2011 931 58.0 16.0 67.7
2012 946 60.0 15.7 71.8
2013 829 53.0 15.6 72.1
2014 822 51.0 16.1 44.2
2015 733 44.0 16.6 53.3
2016 759 44.0 17.2 62.7
2017 776 47.0 16.5 61.5
2018 812 45.0 18.0 69.6
2019 805 46.0 17.5 65
2020 875 48.0 18.2 63.8
2021 871 49.0 17.7 65.2
2022 890 51.0 17.4 65.3
2023 882 44.0 20.0 66.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Largo Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1192 68.0 17.5 37.7
1989 1163 68.0 17.1 31.5
1990 1184 68.0 17.4 30
1991 1210 64.0 18.9 30.8
1992 1269 69.0 18.3 26.5
1993 1267 61.0 20.8 25.8
1994 1297 61.0 21.3 35.5
1995 1250 65.0 19.2 29.5
1996 1250 65.0 19.2 29.5
1997 1292 64.0 20.2 34.1
1998 1308 60.0 21.8 33.6
1999 1294 60.0 21.6 44.7
2000 1234 59.0 20.9 41.1
2001 1336 62.0 21.5 42.2
2002 1568 74.0 21.2 48.4
2003 1568 74.0 21.2 48.4
2004 1428 71.0 20.1 51.7
2005 1259 71.0 17.7 53.5
2006 1181 67.0 17.6 50.2
2007 1139 63.0 18.1 54.9
2008 1106 65.0 17.0 53.9
2009 1046 68.1 17.4 59.6
2010 1058 61.0 17.3 68.3
2011 931 58.0 16.0 67.7
2012 946 60.0 15.7 71.8
2013 829 53.0 15.6 72.1
2014 822 51.0 16.1 44.2
2015 733 44.0 16.6 53.3
2016 759 44.0 17.2 62.7
2017 776 47.0 16.5 61.5
2018 812 45.0 18.0 69.6
2019 805 46.0 17.5 65
2020 875 48.0 18.2 63.8
2021 871 49.0 17.7 65.2
2022 890 51.0 17.4 65.3
2023 882 44.0 20.0 66.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Largo Middle School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018 $937 (11.7%) $7,091 (88.3%) $8,028
2019 $1,230 (12.8%) $8,398 (87.2%) $9,628
2020 $880 (10.6%) $7,391 (89.3%) $8,272
2021 $1,487 (16.6%) $7,467 (83.4%) $8,954
2022 $1,539 (16.6%) $7,732 (83.4%) $9,271
2023 $1,417 (14.3%) $8,512 (85.7%) $9,930

Data source: Florida Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Largo Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 751st of 1099 Middle schoolsRanks 833rd of 1177 Middle schools
 2.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Largo Middle School)3339
 6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Pinellas)5148
 3%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5452
 2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Largo Middle School)3956
 17%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Pinellas)4447
 3%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Florida)5549
 6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Largo Middle School)4632
 14%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Pinellas)5146
 5%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5248
 4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Largo Middle School)4931
 18%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Pinellas)6052
 8%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Florida)5446
 8%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Largo Middle School)4737
 10%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Pinellas)5545
 10%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5649
 7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Largo Middle School)2919
 10%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Pinellas)3125
 6%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Florida)4642
 4%
8th Grade Science (Largo Middle School)4526
 19%
   8th Grade Science (Pinellas)5147
 4%
   8th Grade Science (Florida)4844
 4%
End of Course Civics (Largo Middle School)5657
 1%
   End of Course Civics (Pinellas)6868
   End of Course Civics (Florida)7166
 5%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Largo Middle School)8771
 16%
   End of Course Algebra 1 (Pinellas)5652
 4%
   End of Course Algebra 1 (Florida)6254
 8%
End of Course Geometry (Largo Middle School)10076
 24%
   End of Course Geometry (Pinellas)5655
 1%
   End of Course Geometry (Florida)5750
 7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students805882
 9.6%
African American158191
 20.9%
American Indian41
 75%
Asian3125
 19.4%
Hispanic250250
Pacific Islander46
 50%
White317358
 12.9%
Two or More Races4151
 24.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients65%66.3%
 1.4%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Largo Middle School

In the 2022-23 school year, 882 students attended Largo Middle School.

Students at Largo Middle School are 41% White, 28% Hispanic, 22% African American, 6% Two or more races, 3% Asian.

Students who attend Largo Middle School usually go on to attend Largo High School

Largo Middle School ranks 770th of 1196 Florida middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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