Pinecrest Preparatory Charter

Pinecrest Preparatory Charter is a small, high-performing K-8 charter school in Orlando, FL, serving just 296 students and consistently ranking in the top 10% of elementary schools statewide. This school stands out dramatically from its neighbors, achieving academic results that far exceed the Orange district and state averages. For example, in 7th grade math, Pinecrest achieved 100% proficiency, compared to the district average of 44% and the state average of 53%. Nearby schools like Cornerstone Academy Charter scored only 48% in the same subject. This pattern of excellence holds across subjects: 4th grade ELA proficiency is 86% at Pinecrest versus a 62% district average, and 8th grade science proficiency is 90%, nearly doubling the district's 57%.

What makes Pinecrest's success even more impressive is its efficiency. The school spends just $10,073 per student, significantly less than many lower-performing nearby schools. For instance, Shenandoah Elementary, which ranks in the 49th percentile, spends $15,643 per student—over 50% more. Pinecrest also boasts a remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 16.3%, less than half the district rate of 35.2% and far below neighbors like Renaissance Charter School At Goldenrod (38.9%) and Winegard Elementary (43.3%). This suggests a highly engaged student body and strong family-school connection.

Pinecrest has shown a remarkable upward trajectory, rising from a 3-star rating in 2016 to a consistent 5-star rating in recent years. Its small size appears to be a key advantage, allowing for personalized learning that larger schools struggle to match. The school has also achieved a perfect 100% proficiency in Algebra 1 EOC for four consecutive years, a national-level achievement. While many surrounding schools like Michael McCoy Elementary and Sally Ride Elementary rank in the bottom 25% of the state, Pinecrest stands as a beacon of excellence, offering families a dramatically superior educational option in the area.