Best Public Schools in Zip Code 32095

Zip code 32095 in St. Augustine, Florida, is home to three high-performing public schools within the top-rated St. Johns County School District, serving a total of 4,031 students from Pre-K through 8th grade in a community with notably low poverty indicators.

Palencia Elementary School stands out as the academic powerhouse, ranking 157th in the state (93rd percentile) with a 5-star rating and exceptional early math scores—89% of 3rd graders and 91% of 4th graders were proficient in math, far exceeding state averages. It also boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (9.7%) and the most favorable student-teacher ratio (14.9:1), though it spends the most per student ($10,084). In contrast, Pine Island Academy, the largest school with 1,972 students, is the consistent high-achiever, leading in English Language Arts (82.7% average proficiency in grades 3-5) and achieving near-perfect scores in advanced coursework like Algebra 1 and Geometry. It has the lowest free/reduced lunch rate (7%) and spends the least per student ($8,110), suggesting that strong home resources and school culture drive its success. Lakeside Academy, while the lowest-ranked (640th, 71st percentile), is a strong performer with a math focus, achieving 100% proficiency in Algebra 1 and Geometry and exceptional 8th-grade math scores (99% proficient in 2024-2025).

A key takeaway is the "spending vs. performance" paradox: Pine Island Academy spends the least but excels in ELA and advanced courses, while Palencia Elementary spends the most and leads in math and science. This indicates that high performance is driven by a mix of demographics, teacher effectiveness, and school culture rather than spending alone. All three schools benefit from the district's low poverty rates (7-19% free/reduced lunch), allowing them to focus intensely on academic excellence without significant socioeconomic hurdles. For parents, this zip code offers a range of excellent options, with Palencia ideal for early math focus, Pine Island for balanced, consistent achievement, and Lakeside for strong upper-grade math acceleration.