Lakewood Park Elementary School

Lakewood Park Elementary School in Fort Pierce, FL, serves 645 students in grades PK-5 within the St. Lucie County School District, and it has recently emerged as a standout for its remarkable turnaround in math performance.

Lakewood Park has transformed from a 1-star school in the 10th percentile just a few years ago to a 2-star school in the 46th percentile, making it a true "bright spot" in the district. Its most impressive feature is exceptional math achievement: 70% of 3rd graders, 71% of 4th graders, and 66% of 5th graders are proficient, significantly outpacing both district and state averages. This math success even surpasses several nearby schools in the higher-ranked Indian River district, such as Glendale Elementary School (56% in 3rd grade) and Indian River Academy (67% in 3rd grade). However, the school faces a major challenge: English Language Arts (ELA) scores lag well behind state and district averages, creating a significant gap between its math and reading performance. Additionally, a chronic absenteeism rate of nearly 40%—far higher than nearby schools like Osceola Magnet School (13%)—likely holds back overall academic growth, especially in reading.

Despite these hurdles, Lakewood Park's rapid improvement trajectory is unmatched by its St. Lucie peers. While schools like Chester A. Moore Elementary School have declined to a 0-star rating, Lakewood Park is proving that positive change is possible. Its per-student spending ($11,725) is actually lower than many comparison schools, suggesting that its math gains come from effective teaching strategies rather than higher funding. For parents, this school offers a compelling choice: a math-focused environment with a clear upward trend, but one where supporting literacy at home and ensuring consistent attendance will be key to a child's success.