Abstract
This research aimed to determine the potential impact of school distance on the academic performance of Grade 8 learners at Pantao Ragat Agro-Industrial High School in the School Year 2024-2025. The study sought to understand how various factors related to school proximity—such as distance, mode of transportation, and road accessibility—might influence students' academic outcomes. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire completed by approximately 100 Grades 7-10 learners. Findings suggested that a large number of learners lived approximately 3-5 kilometers from school, with a majority primarily walking to class. Despite most respondents indicating accessible roads, long travel times affected their focus and energy levels during school hours. However, the overall effect on academic performance appeared minimal, as most students achieved grades categorized as "Satisfactory" or higher. Statistical analyses indicated no significant correlation between school distance and academic performance. Although students expressed challenges related to commuting, such as fatigue and time constraints, these did not translate into substantial declines in their grades. This suggests that while school distance may present logistical challenges, other factors—potentially including teaching quality and student motivation—might play a more substantial role in determining academic success. Overall, the study indicated that school proximity alone may not significantly influence academic performance among Grade 8 students at Pantao Ragat Agro-Industrial High School.
