Best Public Schools in Zip Code 44320

The 44320 zip code area of Akron, Ohio is home to 6 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 2 high schools, and no middle schools or alternative schools. These schools serve a predominantly African American and low-income student population, with high rates of free/reduced lunch eligibility. While the schools display a range of academic performance, several standout schools and concerning trends emerge from the data.

The largest school in the area is Buchtel Community Learning Center, a high school with 895 students. Despite having a relatively high 4-year graduation rate of 95.2%, Buchtel ranks in the bottom 16% of Ohio high schools and has very low proficiency rates on state tests. In contrast, Schumacher Community Learning Center, an elementary school, outperforms the Akron City and Ohio state averages in several subjects and has a lower chronic absenteeism rate than other elementary schools in the area.

The data also reveals significant disparities in resource allocation, with spending per student ranging from $4,906 at Imagine Leadership Academy, a public charter school, to $10,688 at Buchtel Community Learning Center. Additionally, chronic absenteeism rates are alarmingly high, especially at the high school level, which may be a contributing factor to the low proficiency rates observed across the schools. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions and a closer examination of equity and access to quality education for the underserved communities in the 44320 zip code area.