Summary
Elisa Nelson Elementary in Palm Harbor, FL, is a top-performing public school serving 421 students in grades 1 through 5 within the Pinellas County School District, consistently earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 99th percentile statewide.
This school stands out as an academic powerhouse, ranking 14th out of 2,240 elementary schools in Florida for the 2025-2026 school year—a remarkable achievement that places it far ahead of nearby schools. For example, the next best local school, Sutherland Elementary, ranks 93rd, while the geographically closest school, Ozona Elementary, ranks 193rd. Elisa Nelson’s test scores are consistently 20-30 percentage points above the district average and 30-40 points above the state average, with every subject and grade level scoring at or above 88% proficiency. For instance, 3rd grade ELA proficiency is 98%, compared to 81% at Ozona, and 5th grade science proficiency is 93%, versus 80% at Ozona. The school also boasts an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 9.2%, far below the district average of 30.6% and less than half the rate of Ozona Elementary (14.1%).
What makes Elisa Nelson even more impressive is its efficiency: it achieves top-tier results with per-student spending of $12,485, which is near the middle of the pack compared to peers like Highland Lakes Elementary ($14,146) and San Jose Elementary ($19,771), both of which have significantly lower academic outcomes. The school has shown a consistent upward trajectory in state rankings, moving from the 68th percentile in 2020-2021 to its current 14th position, reflecting strong leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. With a low percentage of students eligible for free/reduced lunch (12.35%), the school benefits from a highly engaged community, but its success is a testament to effective teaching and resource use that sets a benchmark for excellence in the district.
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