Best Public Schools in Zip Code 33778

The 33778 zip code area in Pinellas County, Florida, is home to two public elementary schools: Ridgecrest Elementary School and Plato Seminole. While both schools demonstrate strong academic performance, they have distinct student demographics and resource allocation patterns.

Ridgecrest Elementary School stands out for its consistently high proficiency rates on state assessments, often exceeding the Pinellas district and state averages. The school's diverse student population, with a mix of White, African American, Hispanic, and Asian students, is a notable characteristic. In contrast, Plato Seminole has a higher percentage of White students compared to the district and state, and it performs well on end-of-course exams, particularly in Algebra 1 and Civics.

While Ridgecrest Elementary School has a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students and a higher chronic absenteeism rate, its strong academic performance suggests the school is effectively supporting its students and addressing their needs. Plato Seminole, on the other hand, spends less per student but maintains a high level of academic achievement, indicating efficient resource utilization. The differences in student demographics and resource allocation between the two schools present opportunities for further investigation and potential sharing of best practices across the Pinellas district.