Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

Summary:

Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) is an alternative public school serving grades PK-12 in Defuniak Springs, Florida, with a student population of 215 and part of the Walton School District, which is ranked 16th out of 68 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating.

Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) has a significantly higher percentage of White students (72.09%) compared to the nearby Paxton School (88.4%), as well as a higher percentage of African American (12.09%) and Hispanic (9.77%) students. The school has seen a notable improvement in its four-year graduation rate, increasing from 46.2% in 2018-2019 to 93.3% in 2022-2023, though this is still lower than the 97.1% graduation rate at Paxton School. However, Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) has a much higher chronic absenteeism rate, ranging from 33% to 50.2% over the past five years, compared to Paxton School's 19.7% in 2022-2023.

Academically, Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) consistently underperforms the nearby Paxton School and the state average in most subject areas, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, and End-of-Course exams. For example, in 2023-2024, Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) had only 13% proficiency in Algebra 1, compared to 71% at Paxton School and 55% statewide. The school also has a significantly higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 58.85% to 74.88% over the past three years, compared to 60.68% at Paxton School.

Detail:

Public, Alternative PK, KG-12

555 Walton Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433

(850) 892-1111

District: Walton

SchoolDigger Rank:
2175^th of 2,256 Florida Alternative Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $23,852

Student/teacher ratio: 9.3

Number of students: 247

Racial breakdown:

White:

66.4%

Hispanic:

15.4%

African American:

10.5%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 81.8%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) to nearby alternative schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) ranks worse than 96.4% of elementary schools in Florida. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 8.76. (See more...)

Compare Details Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) ranks worse than 92.9% of middle schools in Florida. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 9.45. (See more...)

Compare Details Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) ranks worse than 87.9% of high schools in Florida. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 5.74. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Chronic absenteeism in a 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

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (66.4%), Hispanic (15.4%), African American (10.5%). (See more...)

Compare Details 81.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Walton School District. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) is 9.3, which is the lowest among 4 alternative schools in the Walton School District! (See more...)

Compare Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) employs 26.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) is $23,852, which is the highest among 4 alternative schools in the Walton School District!

Schooldigger Rankings:

Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) 1111^th of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) in the ranking list.)

SchoolDigger ranks Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) 709^th of 807 Florida public high schools. (See Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) in the ranking list.)

Walton:

SchoolDigger ranks Walton 16^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	FL State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	8.76	2175^th	2256	3.6%

See the entire list of Florida Alternative School Rankings!

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

Rank History for Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	FL State Percentile
2019	16.89	946^th	1099	13.9%
2021	50.33	552^nd	1136	51.4%
2022	20.82	950^th	1148	17.2%
2023	8.48	1095^th	1177	7.0%
2024	9.45	1111^th	1196	7.1%

See the entire list of Florida Alternative School Rankings!

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

Rank History for Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	FL State Percentile
2018	7.95	605^th	716	15.5%
2019	15.46	587^th	734	20.0%
2021	16.04	588^th	746	21.2%
2022	26.41	536^th	774	30.7%
2023	13.72	649^th	792	18.1%
2024	5.74	709^th	807	12.1%

See the entire list of Florida Alternative School Rankings!

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

Data source: Florida Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2010	22	1	0	0	1	n/a	n/a	1	25
2011	38	2	1	6	0	0	1	0	48
2012	68	11	0	4	0	0	3	0	86
2013	72	11	0	12	0	0	5	0	100
2014	84	13	1	17	0	0	10	0	125
2015	66	10	0	12	0	0	8	0	96
2016	65	5	0	9	1	0	7	0	87
2017	67	2	1	11	0	0	5	0	86
2018	97	16	0	16	0	0	12	0	141
2019	92	21	0	19	1	0	6	0	139
2020	105	14	1	17	1	0	10	0	148
2021	118	11	1	10	0	0	5	0	145
2022	146	20	0	15	0	0	11	0	192
2023	155	26	1	21	1	0	11	0	215
2024	164	26	0	38	1	0	18	0	247

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 Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	25	n/a	n/a	75
2011	48	n/a	n/a	75
2012	86	n/a	n/a	75.6
2013	100	n/a	n/a	74
2014	125	n/a	n/a	52.8
2015	96	n/a	n/a	72.9
2016	87	n/a	n/a	73.6
2017	86	n/a	n/a	59.3
2018	141	n/a	n/a	73
2019	139	12.0	11.5	77.7
2020	148	14.0	10.5	58.8
2021	145	14.5	10.0	60.7
2022	192	16.5	11.6	58.9
2023	215	21.5	10.0	74.9
2024	247	26.5	9.3	81.8

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 Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	25	n/a	n/a	75
2011	48	n/a	n/a	75
2012	86	n/a	n/a	75.6
2013	100	n/a	n/a	74
2014	125	n/a	n/a	52.8
2015	96	n/a	n/a	72.9
2016	87	n/a	n/a	73.6
2017	86	n/a	n/a	59.3
2018	141	n/a	n/a	73
2019	139	12.0	11.5	77.7
2020	148	14.0	10.5	58.8
2021	145	14.5	10.0	60.7
2022	192	16.5	11.6	58.9
2023	215	21.5	10.0	74.9
2024	247	26.5	9.3	81.8

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 Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$830 (5.1%)	$15,470 (94.9%)	$16,300
2019	$1,047 (5.3%)	$18,811 (94.7%)	$19,858
2020	$991 (5.8%)	$16,110 (94.2%)	$17,100
2021	$1,372 (6.7%)	$19,011 (93.3%)	$20,383
2022	$2,387 (11.7%)	$17,981 (88.3%)	$20,367
2023	$2,923 (12.3%)	$20,929 (87.7%)	$23,852

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

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 946^th of 1099 Middle schools	Ranks 1095^th of 1177 Middle schools	7%
Ranks 587^th of 734 High schools	Ranks 649^th of 792 High schools	2%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
7th Grade English Language Arts (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	40	13	27%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Walton)	64	54	10%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	52	48	4%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	14	30	16%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Walton)	60	55	5%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	49	7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	27	40	13%
8th Grade Mathematics (Walton)	63	58	5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	46	42	4%
8th Grade Science (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	23	14	9%
8th Grade Science (Walton)	58	61	3%
8th Grade Science (Florida)	48	44	4%
9th Grade English Language Arts (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	31	46	15%
9th Grade English Language Arts (Walton)	64	61	3%
9th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	55	51	4%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	30	45	15%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Walton)	59	62	3%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	53	49	4%
End of Course Biology 1 (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	26	25	1%
End of Course Biology 1 (Walton)	79	81	2%
End of Course Biology 1 (Florida)	67	63	4%
End of Course Geometry (Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise))	42	8	34%
End of Course Geometry (Walton)	73	69	4%
End of Course Geometry (Florida)	57	50	7%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	139	215	54.7%
African American	21	26	23.8%
American Indian	1	1
Asian	0	1
Hispanic	19	21	10.5%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	92	155	68.5%
Two or More Races	6	11	83.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	77.7%	74.9%	2.8%

Schools Near Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking ()				Ranking ()				FAST English Language Arts (2024)								FAST Math (2024)						Statewide Science Science (2024)		EOC Algebra 1 (2024)	EOC Geometry (2024)	EOC Biology 1 (2024)	EOC US History (2024)	EOC Civics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score ()	Statewide Rank ()	State Percentile ()	SchoolDigger Rating ()	Average Standard Score ()	Statewide Rank ()	State Percentile ()	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 9th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 10th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC US History End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)	Public, Alternative	PK, KG-12	555 Walton Rd	Defuniak Springs	32433	Walton County	Walton	No	No	No	No	(850) 892-1111	247	27	9.3	81.8%	164 (66.4%)	26 (10.5%)	38 (15.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (7.3%)								(n/a)			40.0	9.0	22.0	15.0	8.0	17.0			18.0	18.0	25.0	21.0	30.0	19.0	13.0	15.0	35.0	27.0	18.0	$23,852	$2,923	$20,929
Walton Virtual School Full Time	Public, Virtual, Alternative	K-12	145 S Park St	Defuniak Springs	32435	Walton County	Walton	No	No	Yes	No	(850) 892-1100	0	0			0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Walton Virtual School Wcsd	Public, Virtual, Alternative	K-12	145 S Park St	Defuniak Springs	32435	Walton County	Walton	No	No	Yes	No	(850) 892-1100	7	0			7 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Paxton School	Public, Alternative	PK, KG-12	21893 Us Highway 331 N	Paxton	32538	Walton County	Walton	No	No	No	No	(850) 892-1230	795	52	15.3	62.3%	699 (87.9%)	21 (2.6%)	30 (3.8%)	3 (0.4%)	4 (0.5%)	2 (0.3%)	36 (4.5%)								(n/a)	66.0	51.0	54.0	62.0	74.0	41.0	49.0	55.0	77.0	66.0	63.0	63.0	70.0	88.0	59.0	63.0	71.0	39.0	73.0	59.0	83.0	$14,474	$1,506	$12,969

Frequently Asked Questions about Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)

Is Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) a good school?

Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) ranks in the bottom 3.6% of Florida alternative schools.

What is the racial makeup of Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)?

Students at Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) are 66% White, 15% Hispanic, 11% African American, 7% Two or more races.

What district is Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise) in?

Walton

How many students attend Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)?

In the 2023-24 school year, 247 students attended Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise).

Rate Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)!

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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.