Plantation Elementary School

Plantation Elementary School is a public school in Plantation, FL, serving 550 students in grades PK-5 within the Broward County School District, and it is currently showing strong signs of improvement after a decade of low state rankings.

This school stands out for its exceptional science program. In the most recent school year, 79% of 5th graders were proficient in science, significantly outperforming the district (63%) and state (60%) averages. This is a consistent strength that even surpasses the higher-ranked Plantation Park Elementary (71% proficiency) and far exceeds nearby schools like Larkdale Elementary (35%). The school also invests heavily in its students, spending $15,323 per pupil and maintaining a low student-teacher ratio of 14.8:1—the lowest among comparable schools in the area. This combination of high spending and small class sizes is a unique asset. However, the school faces challenges with chronic absenteeism, which at 34.8% is higher than the district and state averages, and is a key area for improvement compared to Plantation Park Elementary’s 23.0% rate.

While overall math and reading scores are still below district averages, there are bright spots, such as 70% of 3rd graders achieving math proficiency. The school is in a period of transition, with a notable drop in the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch from 82.5% to 59.27% over two years. This shift, combined with rising test scores and a state ranking that has climbed from the 23rd to the 44th percentile, suggests that recent changes are beginning to yield positive results. For parents, Plantation Elementary offers a strong science program, small class sizes, and a clear upward trajectory, though attendance and consistency in core subjects remain areas to watch.