Summary:
Lakewood Ranch, Florida is home to two exceptional elementary schools, Robert Willis Elementary School and Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, which consistently rank among the top schools in the state. Both schools have demonstrated strong academic performance, with students outpacing the Manatee district and the state of Florida in English Language Arts and Math proficiency rates.
Robert Willis Elementary School has maintained a statewide ranking in the top 5% of Florida elementary schools, while Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School has also held a strong position. In the 2024-2025 school year, Robert Willis had 70% of 3rd graders proficient or better in ELA, compared to 52% in the district and 57% statewide, and 86% proficient or better in Math, compared to 62% in the district and 63% statewide. Similarly, Gilbert W. McNeal had 77% of 3rd graders proficient or better in ELA and 82% in Math, outperforming the district and state averages.
While both schools have higher-than-average chronic absenteeism rates, they serve relatively low percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting a relatively affluent community with access to quality education. The differences in spending per student and student-teacher ratios between the two schools may also contribute to their success. Overall, Lakewood Ranch is home to two exemplary elementary schools that are providing a strong academic foundation for their students.
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