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GreatSchools Rating

Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology

Charter | 6-8 | 120 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
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2012:
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2011:
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2010:
Based on 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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5 reviews of this school


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Posted April 29, 2010

I love Gulf Coast Academy for several reasons, The administration and staff team is exactly that...a team, who works extremely well with parents/grandparents/guardians. They are very warm and inviting while providing sound structure through the incentives and consequences to their students who in turn become well rounded teens with values. Much like an extendeded family, the mandatory volunteering is more like fun than a chore, and the students in return are more respectful than those attending other public schools that I've worked at.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 1, 2009

My twins attend this school. Kudos to the leadership and vision of the principal and the school management. This has to be the most unique field activity program in the US. I believe my children are being prepared to face this technologically advanced and competitive world while having a unique hands on and funfilled week at middle school. Their day is filled with tech, robotics, weekly trips involving kayaking, snorkelling, studying turtles and much, much more. The school has a wonderful family atmosphere, where everybody knows everybody. The teachers and the principal are very communicative, incorporating humor with authority in dealing with the students. They have a credit system which helps train the children to organize and be accoutable for their work. Most of all I havnt had any communication issues with any teacher which is very crucial for me. My children are very happy. Poonam Malhotra, MD
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 21, 2008

This is an excellent school, my son is doing great here. I know each and every teacher and administration person here due to small size and can discuss anything with them at any time. Parents must put in 1 hour every week for volunteering. But it's worth it. If you look at their state scores, they have always been an A school. And the 2nd year they were open, they were ranked number 2 in the state for all middle schools. Can't beat that with any other Hernando county middle.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 15, 2008

i am a student at GCA and i think that it is wonderful! i cant wait every friday when we get to go on our FAP! It is the best middle school arround! To bad i only get 3 years here. I would very highly reccommend this school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 20, 2007

My son was a member of the charter class. Just look at the stats on this site for the Academy's academic achievements from their advanced cirriculum. Aside from the committment of the outstanding educators and directors, the mandatory parent participation is paramount to the success of the Academy's students. The sports program is anything but boring; rock climbing, cave exploration, snorkeling, white water rafting and the challenging ropes course at USF. What about an eight grade trip to Key West? Or the weekly field trips? All the courses and activities are intermingled to provide the greatest benefit for the students. This school's emphasis is on education and educational experiences, so if sports teams are important to you, this school won't meet your needs. 5 STARS all around.
—Submitted by Pamela Hubbard, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 53% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
66%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 57% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
73%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 58% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
84%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 55% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
71%
Science

The state average for Science was 46% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 78% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2008-2009, this school received a grade of "A".

About the tests


Florida uses School Grades to measure the overall performance of a school each year on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Each school is assigned a letter grade (A-F) based on three criteria: the overall performance on the FCAT, the percentage of eligible students who took the test, and whether or not students made progress in reading and math. The School Grades are calculated by adding points earned from each of the performance criteria listed above.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 59% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
95%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) to test students in Algebra 1. The EOC is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The Algebra 1 EOC has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 83% 46%
Multiracial 7% 4%
Black 5% 23%
Hispanic 3% 25%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 1% 0%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 36%N/A46%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 0%N/A65%
Master's degree 0%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 0%N/A1%
Other degree 0%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Classes taught by non-highly qualified teachers 42%N/A5%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Shoot for the Stars Reading and AYP Met (2006)
  • Shoot for the Stars Reading and AYP Met (2005)
  • Shoot for the Stars Reading and AYP Met (2004)

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:50am
School end time
  • 1:50pm
School Leader's name
  • Mr. Nevin Siefert
Special schedule
  • Extended/longer school day
Fax number
  • (352) 688-5095

Programs

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • All county middle sports.
Girls sports
  • All county middle school sports.

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
School leaders can update this information here.

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10444 Tillery Rd
Spring Hill, FL 34608
Website: Click here
Phone: (352) 688-5092

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