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
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
8.0
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
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Cottondale High School — Students at Cottondale High School score 58% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
52.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 12 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 50% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 58% (2019) to 66% (2021).
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 miNeighborhood 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (850) 482-9821
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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.
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