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Excellent

#533 of 3,777 schools in FL

Top 14% in state

Cottondale High School

High School · JACKSON

2680 LEVY ST, Cottondale, FL 32431

Enrollment

416

Student-Teacher

15.4:1

Score

8.0

Grades

6th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Cottondale

#1 of 2

public schools

Florida high schools

#13 of 748

In district

#3 of 14

JACKSON

Academic growth

9.4 / 10

Exceptional

About Cottondale High School

Cottondale High School serves 416 students in grades 6 through 12 in rural Jackson County, Florida. This regular public school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.4:1 with 27 full-time equivalent teachers, providing a more intimate learning environment than many larger schools. The school demonstrates solid academic performance with a MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10, ranking #983 out of 3,816 Florida schools and placing in the 74th percentile statewide.

Students show competency across core subjects, with 62% achieving proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 59% meet proficiency standards in Mathematics. These results reflect the school's commitment to helping students master essential academic skills. As a combined middle and high school serving grades 6-12, Cottondale High offers continuity for students throughout their secondary education years.

The school's academic score of 7.1 out of 10 indicates consistent educational quality that serves its rural community well. Located on Levy Street in the small community of Cottondale, the school sits in an area where the median household income is $54,821 and median home values are $113,000. The school serves a tight-knit rural community of about 4,515 residents, providing education in the heart of Florida's agricultural region.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Cottondale High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.4Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+1.53 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendImproving
Academics8.1Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50%
Reading/ELA Proficiency66%
Math vs. State Avg-5.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+11.6 pts
Overall Proficiency58%
Expected (poverty-adj.)48%
vs. Expected+10.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile71th
College Readiness6.5Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,182

Cottondale High School — Students at Cottondale High School score 58% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 54.6%
School
State
52.5%
ELA Proficiency 62.0%
School
State
52.1%

Based on 12 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
47%
ELA
58%
2021*
Math
50%
ELA
66%
2024
Math
58.7%
ELA
62%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.4/10.

How Cottondale High School Compares

See how Cottondale High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.0/10
86th percentile in FL
Academic
8.1/10
8.1/10
Growth
9.4/10
Above average
Environment
8.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
52%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers

Location

2680 LEVY ST, Cottondale, FL 32431

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Cottondale High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. THE DOVE (DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITIES THRU VOC. ED.) (rated 7.4/10, 13.1 miles away, in nearby Graceville), with a comparable rating. Another option is MARIANNA HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.3/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Marianna), a more accessible option. Additionally, CHIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL (rated 3.7/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Chipley), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cottondale, see our Cottondale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.1 mi
School Distance Rating
COTTONDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Cottondale 0.4 mi 6.6
JACKSON ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL Marianna 7.1 mi 6.5
JACKSON COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Marianna 8.1 mi 7.0
DIST WIDE HOMEBOUND PROGRAM Marianna 8.8 mi
JACKSON VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM Marianna 8.8 mi 4.5
JCSB TAPP CONTRACT SITE Marianna 8.8 mi
PLAYBIG LEARNING CENTER MARIANNA Marianna 9.4 mi
HOPE SCHOOL Marianna 9.4 mi 8.5
GRACE AND GLORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chipley 9.8 mi 6.6
WASHINGTON VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM Chipley 10.1 mi
DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Marianna 10.2 mi 7.8
MARIANNA HIGH SCHOOL Marianna 10.4 mi 5.3
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chipley 10.4 mi 5.7
WASHINGTON VIRTUAL FRANCHISE Chipley 10.6 mi
KATE M. SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chipley 10.8 mi 5.7
ROULHAC MIDDLE SCHOOL Chipley 11.0 mi 7.8
WASHINGTON ACADEMY OF VARYING EXCEPTIONALITIES (WAVE) Chipley 11.1 mi 8.6
CHIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL Chipley 11.1 mi 3.7
MARIANNA K-8 SCHOOL Marianna 11.8 mi 8.4
THE DOVE (DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITIES THRU VOC. ED.) Graceville 13.1 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 32431 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$52,270

Median Home Value

$152,200

Median Rent

$1,108/mo

Population

4,887

College Educated

15.6%

Homeownership

74.6%

Avg Commute

27.5 min

Poverty Rate

17%

Median Age

45

Community Profile

The community surrounding Cottondale High School has a median household income of $52,270. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $152,200, with a median rent of $1,108/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.0%. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
SAINT JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY Boca Raton, FL 8.1
SUNCOAST POLYTECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Sarasota, FL 7.9
ARCHIMEDEAN UPPER CONSERVATORY Miami, FL 7.8
MARCO ISLAND ACADEMY Marco Island, FL 7.8
Q.I. ROBERTS JR. - SR. HIGH SCHOOL Florahome, FL 8.3
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PREPARATORY ACADEMY Coral Gables, FL 8.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cottondale High School

What grades does Cottondale High School serve?

Cottondale High School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Cottondale High School?

Cottondale High School has an enrollment of approximately 416 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Cottondale High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Cottondale High School is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Cottondale High School rank in FL?

Cottondale High School is ranked #533 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Cottondale High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Cottondale High School has a composite rating of 8.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Cottondale High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cottondale High School has 54.6% math proficiency and 62.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Cottondale High School a charter school?

No, Cottondale High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Cottondale High School a Title I school?

No, Cottondale High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cottondale High School?

52.4% of students at Cottondale High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
39 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
42 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Jackson County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

JACKSON
District Enrollment
6,094
Schools in District
19
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,683
District Rank
#3 of 14

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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