Summary:
Zip code 32309 in Tallahassee, Florida, is home to two elementary schools—Roberts Elementary School and Desoto Trail Elementary School—both serving grades PK-5 within the Leon school district, an area known for its suburban feel and strong community engagement.
These two schools offer distinct strengths for families. Roberts Elementary is a high-investment, high-achievement school, spending $12,304 per student and consistently ranking in the 83rd to 85th percentile statewide. It posted exceptional 5th Grade Math proficiency of 94% in 2024-2025 and strong science scores (78% proficiency in 2024-2025). In contrast, Desoto Trail Elementary is an efficient, high-engagement school, spending just $10,022 per student while achieving an 85th percentile state rank in 2025-2026. Desoto Trail boasts an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 7.5%—far below the district average of 36.8%—and showed a remarkable turnaround, jumping from the 74th to 85th percentile in one year. Both schools serve relatively low-poverty populations, with free/reduced lunch rates of 20.45% at Roberts and 15.18% at Desoto Trail.
Key takeaways for parents include the dramatic 41-point gap in 5th Grade Math proficiency in 2024-2025 (Roberts at 94%, Desoto Trail at 53%), which narrowed significantly the following year, suggesting a possible anomaly. Both schools far outperform the Leon district’s 2-star rating, proving excellent options exist within the area. Desoto Trail’s combination of low absenteeism, rising rankings, and cost efficiency makes it a school on a strong upward trajectory, while Roberts remains a consistent top performer with standout science and math results.
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