Brooker Elementary School

Brooker Elementary School in Brandon, FL, is a mid-sized public school serving 686 students in grades PK-5 within the Hillsborough district, known for its solid, middle-of-the-pack performance and a strong reputation for math excellence. The school has consistently earned a 3-star rating from Schooldigger, with state ranking percentiles fluctuating between the 47th and 72nd percentiles over the past decade. Nearly half of its students (46.8%) qualify for free or reduced lunch, reflecting a moderately diverse socioeconomic community. Brooker stands out for its exceptional math proficiency, with recent scores significantly outpacing both district and state averages—for example, 70% of 4th and 5th graders were proficient in math in the 2025-2026 school year, compared to district rates around 55-60%. Additionally, 5th-grade English Language Arts (ELA) scores are a notable strength, with 66% proficiency versus the district's 58% and state's 61%.

Compared to nearby schools, Brooker offers a compelling balance of strong academics and efficient resource use. For instance, Winthrop Charter School (4-star, 80th percentile) achieves higher test scores but has a lower poverty rate (33.33%) and larger class sizes (23.4:1 student-teacher ratio), while Brooker maintains smaller classes (14.8:1) and serves a more diverse student body. In contrast, Yates Elementary School (0-star) and Navigator Academy of Leadership Valrico (2-star) are geographically close but have vastly different performance levels and poverty rates. Brooker’s per-student spending ($11,666) is moderate, yet it achieves better results than higher-spending schools like Kingswood Elementary School and Mintz Elementary School, suggesting effective resource allocation.

Key takeaways for parents include Brooker’s "math advantage," which is a clear differentiator—4th-grade math proficiency was 9 points higher than the district and 5 points higher than the state in 2025-2026. The school also has lower chronic absenteeism (26.8% vs. district 31.3% and state 31.4%), indicating strong student engagement. However, science scores are only on par with state averages, and recent rankings have slightly dipped from a 71st percentile high in 2023-2024 to 57th percentile in 2025-2026. Overall, Brooker is a reliable choice for families seeking a well-rounded education with a proven track record in math, smaller class sizes, and a supportive community environment.