Summary
Anthony Elementary School is a small, rural school in Anthony, FL, serving 351 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, and is part of the Marion district. While the school faces significant challenges, including a high poverty rate with over 70% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch and a chronic absenteeism rate of 31.2%, it has a standout strength in mathematics. For example, in the 2025-2026 school year, 5th-grade math proficiency reached 63%, outperforming both the district (54%) and the state (62%). This is a consistent trend, with math scores often exceeding those at nearby schools like Wyomina Park Elementary and Fessenden Elementary.
However, the school's performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and science lags behind. For instance, 4th-grade ELA proficiency was 43% compared to the state average of 60%, and 5th-grade science scores, while improving, remain below state levels. This creates a clear "tale of two subjects," where math is a bright spot but other areas need significant improvement. Interestingly, Anthony Elementary spends a high amount per student—$17,140 annually—which is more than any nearby school, including the top-performing Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts ($13,295). This high spending has not translated into overall high academic outcomes, suggesting that resources may be directed toward support services for its high-needs population rather than directly boosting test scores.
Compared to a nearby peer, Sparr Elementary, which serves a similar demographic, Anthony outperforms in math but has a slight disadvantage in ELA. Both schools struggle with chronic absenteeism, but Anthony's rate is lower than the district average. The school's performance can be inconsistent from year to year, likely due to small class sizes and teacher turnover. For parents, the key takeaway is that Anthony Elementary offers a strong math program worth exploring, but families should be aware of the challenges in other subjects and the high absenteeism rate. The school's focus should be on replicating its math success across all areas to improve overall outcomes.
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