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Kate M. Smith Elementary School

Summary:

Kate M. Smith Elementary School is a public elementary school in Chipley, Florida, serving 941 students in grades PK-5 as part of the Washington School District. While the school's metrics are generally on par with the district, it faces several key challenges, including declining statewide rankings, high chronic absenteeism, and academic performance that lags behind both the state and some nearby schools.

One notable difference is the school's racial makeup, with a higher percentage of White students (73.65%) compared to the more diverse student populations at surrounding schools like Cottondale Elementary. Additionally, Kate M. Smith Elementary has experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 14.8% in 2019-2020 to 43.6% in 2022-2023, which is notably higher than the surrounding schools. The school's test scores, while generally on par with the Washington District, are below the state averages in most subject areas and grade levels, such as the 5th-grade science proficiency rate of 37% compared to the state average of 53%.

Another factor that may be contributing to the school's challenges is the high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 55.59% to 62.35% over the past three years, which is higher than the surrounding schools. This suggests that Kate M. Smith Elementary serves a relatively disadvantaged population, which may impact academic performance and attendance. Addressing these issues will be crucial for improving the school's overall outcomes and providing a high-quality education for its students.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 1447 South Blvd
       Chipley, FL  32428

(850) 638-6220

District: Washington

SchoolDigger Rank:
1384th of 2,256 Florida Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,512 Help


Students who attend Kate M. Smith Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Roulhac Middle School
    Vernon Middle School
High:    Chipley High School
    Vernon High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.3 Help
Number of students:  964

Racial breakdown:

White:
70.6%
African American:
17.6%
Two or more races:
7.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  55.5% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Kate M. Smith Elementary School ranks worse than 61.3% of elementary schools in Florida. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 38.4. (See more...)
Help
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
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (70.6%), African American (17.6%), two or more races (7.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 55.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Kate M. Smith Elementary School is 16.3. (See more...)
Help
Compare Kate M. Smith Elementary School employs 59 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Kate M. Smith Elementary School is $8,512.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Kate M. Smith Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Washington:

SchoolDigger ranks Washington 52nd of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Kate M. Smith Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools FL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 59.58 694th 1688 58.9%
2007 69.96 534th 1786 70.1%
2008 67.43 600th 1789 66.5%
2009 66.69 615th 1847 66.7%
2010 64.69 707th 1919 63.2%
2011 56.83 913th 1985 54.0%
2012 55.47 889th 1984 55.2%
2013 45.43 1109th 2029 45.3%
2014 61.43 784th 2064 62.0%
2016 71.35 576th 2087 72.4%
2017 66.59 686th 2112 67.5%
2018 65.97 709th 2118 66.5%
2019 60.55 832nd 2182 61.9%
2021 58.84 894th 2247 60.2%
2022 51.65 1026th 2219 53.8%
2023 56.57 933rd 2240 58.3%
2024 38.40 1384th 2256 38.7%
See the entire list of Florida Elementary School Rankings!

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

Kate M. Smith Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    





Data source: Florida Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Kate M. Smith Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 656 146 6 0 0 n/a n/a 0 808
1989 665 144 6 0 0 n/a n/a 0 815
1990 696 162 8 0 1 n/a n/a 0 867
1991 716 157 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 875
1992 718 163 14 1 0 n/a n/a 0 896
1993 724 160 12 0 3 n/a n/a 0 899
1994 699 172 8 5 4 n/a n/a 0 888
1995 726 175 8 6 9 n/a n/a 0 924
1996 726 175 8 6 9 n/a n/a 0 924
1997 755 189 13 9 7 n/a n/a 0 973
1998 777 178 7 8 11 n/a n/a 0 981
1999 754 183 4 14 10 n/a n/a 0 965
2000 763 184 5 14 8 n/a n/a 0 974
2001 766 189 5 14 8 n/a n/a 0 982
2002 804 192 3 13 4 n/a n/a 0 1016
2003 804 192 3 13 4 n/a n/a 0 1016
2004 766 196 3 14 5 n/a n/a 0 984
2005 769 187 4 14 6 n/a n/a 0 980
2006 775 171 4 13 9 n/a n/a 0 972
2007 635 144 3 14 8 n/a n/a 47 851
2008 613 147 2 23 5 n/a n/a 50 840
2009 594 135 7 32 4 n/a n/a 44 816
2010 601 128 5 35 3 n/a n/a 42 814
2011 617 127 5 36 6 1 44 0 836
2012 617 131 3 38 4 2 37 0 832
2013 582 133 1 32 4 1 31 0 784
2014 568 134 3 33 2 1 32 0 773
2015 596 127 2 32 4 0 45 0 806
2016 545 134 6 27 3 1 48 0 764
2017 661 168 5 29 2 2 56 0 923
2018 660 159 6 21 1 4 63 0 914
2019 702 157 3 15 4 5 72 0 958
2020 747 160 3 18 3 6 77 0 1014
2021 739 148 3 29 4 4 75 0 1002
2022 685 155 2 29 3 3 66 0 943
2023 693 148 3 34 2 3 58 0 941
2024 681 170 3 38 2 2 68 0 964

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 Kate M. Smith Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 808 44.0 18.3 48.5
1989 815 45.0 18.1 49.9
1990 867 46.0 18.8 53.1
1991 875 48.0 18.2 54.6
1992 896 48.0 18.6 43
1993 899 46.0 19.5 45.7
1994 888 45.0 19.7 46.1
1995 924 45.0 20.5 51.1
1996 924 45.0 20.5 51.1
1997 973 48.0 20.3 50.8
1998 981 48.0 20.4 50.1
1999 965 52.0 18.6 62.3
2000 974 52.0 18.7 59.8
2001 982 53.0 18.5 59.6
2002 1016 53.0 19.2 65.2
2003 1016 53.0 19.2 65.2
2004 984 60.0 16.4 63.7
2005 980 61.0 16.1 63
2006 972 60.0 16.2 57.4
2007 851 54.0 15.8 64.9
2008 840 56.0 15.0 63
2009 816 61.0 14.3 65
2010 814 60.0 13.5 68.7
2011 836 60.8 13.7 66.6
2012 832 57.0 14.5 64.9
2013 784 56.0 14.0 65.1
2014 773 56.0 13.8 41.4
2015 806 58.0 13.8 70
2016 764 56.0 13.6 67.5
2017 923 66.0 13.9 62.9
2018 914 66.0 13.8 64.9
2019 958 60.0 15.9 63.6
2020 1014 60.5 16.7 54
2021 1002 55.5 18.0 55.6
2022 943 59.0 15.9 62.4
2023 941 58.0 16.2 61.2
2024 964 59.0 16.3 55.5

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 Kate M. Smith Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 808 44.0 18.3 48.5
1989 815 45.0 18.1 49.9
1990 867 46.0 18.8 53.1
1991 875 48.0 18.2 54.6
1992 896 48.0 18.6 43
1993 899 46.0 19.5 45.7
1994 888 45.0 19.7 46.1
1995 924 45.0 20.5 51.1
1996 924 45.0 20.5 51.1
1997 973 48.0 20.3 50.8
1998 981 48.0 20.4 50.1
1999 965 52.0 18.6 62.3
2000 974 52.0 18.7 59.8
2001 982 53.0 18.5 59.6
2002 1016 53.0 19.2 65.2
2003 1016 53.0 19.2 65.2
2004 984 60.0 16.4 63.7
2005 980 61.0 16.1 63
2006 972 60.0 16.2 57.4
2007 851 54.0 15.8 64.9
2008 840 56.0 15.0 63
2009 816 61.0 14.3 65
2010 814 60.0 13.5 68.7
2011 836 60.8 13.7 66.6
2012 832 57.0 14.5 64.9
2013 784 56.0 14.0 65.1
2014 773 56.0 13.8 41.4
2015 806 58.0 13.8 70
2016 764 56.0 13.6 67.5
2017 923 66.0 13.9 62.9
2018 914 66.0 13.8 64.9
2019 958 60.0 15.9 63.6
2020 1014 60.5 16.7 54
2021 1002 55.5 18.0 55.6
2022 943 59.0 15.9 62.4
2023 941 58.0 16.2 61.2
2024 964 59.0 16.3 55.5

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 Kate M. Smith Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018 $776 (10.7%) $6,476 (89.3%) $7,252
2019 $590 (8.0%) $6,798 (92.0%) $7,389
2020 $658 (8.8%) $6,860 (91.2%) $7,518
2021 $1,073 (13.8%) $6,728 (86.3%) $7,800
2022 $1,429 (17.1%) $6,944 (82.9%) $8,373
2023 $1,235 (14.5%) $7,278 (85.5%) $8,512

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Kate M. Smith Elementary 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 832nd of 2182 Elementary schoolsRanks 933rd of 2240 Elementary schools
 3.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Kate M. Smith Elementary School)5857
 1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Washington)6052
 8%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5853
 5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Kate M. Smith Elementary School)5465
 11%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Washington)5160
 9%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)6258
 4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Kate M. Smith Elementary School)6761
 6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)6559
 6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5857
 1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Kate M. Smith Elementary School)7756
 21%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Washington)7756
 21%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)6461
 3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Kate M. Smith Elementary School)5653
 3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)5055
 5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5655
 1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Kate M. Smith Elementary School)7051
 19%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Washington)6050
 10%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)6052
 8%
5th Grade Science (Kate M. Smith Elementary School)5346
 7%
   5th Grade Science (Washington)4749
 2%
   5th Grade Science (Florida)5351
 2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students958941
 1.8%
African American157148
 5.7%
American Indian42
 50%
Asian33
Hispanic1534
 126.7%
Pacific Islander53
 40%
White702693
 1.3%
Two or More Races7258
 19.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients63.6%61.2%
 2.4%

Schools Near Kate M. Smith Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Kate M. Smith Elementary School

In the 2023-24 school year, 964 students attended Kate M. Smith Elementary School.

Students at Kate M. Smith Elementary School are 71% White, 18% African American, 7% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic.

Students who attend Kate M. Smith Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Roulhac Middle School
Middle : Vernon Middle School
High : Chipley High School
High : Vernon High School

Kate M. Smith Elementary School ranks 1384th of 2256 Florida elementary 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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