Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 32025

There are three elementary schools serving grades PK-5 in zip code 32025 (Lake City, FL), all part of the Columbia County School District, which ranks in the 49th percentile statewide.

Eastside Elementary School is the standout performer in the area, earning a 3-star rating and achieving the highest average test proficiency (60.6%) while serving the most students (655). It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (28%) and the lowest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (58.32%). Interestingly, Eastside achieves these results with the lowest per-student spending ($9,238) and the largest class sizes (18.7:1 student-teacher ratio). In contrast, Melrose Park Elementary School faces the greatest challenges, with the highest chronic absenteeism rate (40.5%) and the highest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (82.2%). Despite receiving the highest per-student funding ($10,889), Melrose Park has the lowest overall test scores, averaging just 46.6% proficiency. Summers Elementary School presents an inconsistent picture: it has the smallest enrollment (492) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (15.8), yet its academic performance varies widely. For example, Summers posted the highest 3rd-grade math score in the entire data set (74%) but the lowest 5th-grade math score (44%).

A key takeaway is that higher spending does not guarantee higher test scores in this zip code, as the additional funds at Melrose Park and Summers appear to address poverty and absenteeism rather than directly boosting academics. Chronic absenteeism is a critical barrier, with a strong negative correlation to performance. Eastside's ability to excel with fewer resources and larger classes is a notable outlier, while Summers' dramatic drop in math proficiency from 3rd to 5th grade suggests a potential curriculum or cohort-specific issue. Overall, families in zip code 32025 will find a wide range of educational experiences, from Eastside's stable, higher-performing environment to Melrose Park's high-need setting requiring significant support.