Summary:
The city of Hernando, Florida, is served by two public elementary schools, Hernando Elementary School and Forest Ridge Elementary School, both part of the Citrus district and serving grades PK-5 with similar enrollments of around 700 students. While both schools have experienced a notable decline in state rankings over the past three years—dropping from the 58th-59th percentile to the 41st-45th percentile—Hernando Elementary stands out as the stronger performer. It consistently achieves higher proficiency rates in core subjects, such as 4th Grade Math (72% vs. 59%) and 5th Grade Math (48% vs. 42%), and does so while spending $633 less per student ($10,187 vs. $10,820), indicating a more efficient use of resources.
Key metrics reveal important differences. Hernando Elementary has a lower student-teacher ratio (15.8:1) compared to Forest Ridge (17.9:1), suggesting smaller class sizes. However, Hernando also faces greater challenges, with a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students (60.41% vs. 50.98%) and a higher chronic absenteeism rate (35.3% vs. 30.3%). Despite these obstacles, Hernando’s academic resilience is a strong indicator of effective teaching and leadership. Both schools struggle significantly in 5th Grade Math, with proficiency rates (48% and 42%) well below the state average of 62%, highlighting a critical area for improvement.
An interesting anomaly is the reported 100% proficiency rate for 6th Grade Math at both schools, which is almost certainly a data error since neither school serves 6th grade. This metric should be disregarded. Overall, while both schools face systemic challenges reflected in their declining rankings, Hernando Elementary demonstrates a notable ability to achieve better results despite higher economic need, making it the standout choice for parents seeking strong academic performance and efficient resource use in the Hernando area.
Thank you for your feedback!