Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools in zip code 32065 (Orange Park, FL), serving grades PK through 6 within the Clay County School District, which is ranked 17th out of 70 in Florida.
Discovery Oaks Elementary is the standout performer, achieving the highest state ranking (70th percentile, 4 stars) and highest average proficiency (69%) while spending the least per student ($8,717) and having the largest class sizes (15.2:1). It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (17.4%). In contrast, Ridgeview Elementary School receives the most funding per student ($13,418) and has the smallest class sizes (10.5:1), yet it has the lowest overall state ranking (50th percentile) and the highest chronic absenteeism rate (28.0%). However, Ridgeview shows a remarkable strength in 6th-grade math, with 77% proficiency in 2025-2026, far exceeding state averages. Oakleaf Village Elementary School, the largest school with 1,022 students, performs solidly overall (59th percentile, 3 stars) but shows a notable weakness in 4th-grade math, where proficiency dropped from 65% to 50%. Plantation Oaks Elementary School has experienced the most significant decline, dropping from the 71st percentile (4 stars) to the 48th percentile (2 stars) over two years.
A key takeaway is the strong correlation between socioeconomic factors and performance: schools with lower free/reduced lunch rates, like Discovery Oaks (44.48%), tend to perform better, while those with higher rates, like Ridgeview (66.05%), struggle more. Chronic absenteeism also emerges as a leading indicator, with the highest rate at Ridgeview (28.0%) aligning with its lowest performance. Additionally, a common "4th grade slump" in math proficiency is observed across multiple schools, except at Discovery Oaks, which maintained high scores, suggesting a more effective curriculum at that grade level.
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