Summary:
The 33801 zip code area of Lakeland, Florida is home to 17 schools, including 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 6 high schools, and 4 alternative schools. The data reveals stark contrasts in school performance, with standout schools like Lawton Chiles Middle Academy and McKeel Academy Central excelling, while others like Crystal Lake Elementary and Real Academy struggle significantly.
The data suggests a strong correlation between higher free/reduced lunch rates and lower academic performance, as measured by test scores and graduation rates. This highlights the challenges faced by schools serving economically disadvantaged populations. Chronic absenteeism also appears to be a major problem across many of the schools, with several elementary and middle schools having over 50% of students chronically absent. This is likely a contributing factor to the low academic performance seen in some schools.
Despite the challenges, the data provides valuable insights that could inform targeted interventions and support for the struggling schools in the Polk district. Addressing chronic absenteeism, providing additional resources and support for economically disadvantaged students, and learning from the successful practices of high-performing schools could help improve outcomes across the board.
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