Summary:
In zip code 32435, there is one elementary school, West Defuniak Elementary School, serving grades Kindergarten through 5th grade in Defuniak Springs, Florida, as part of the Walton County School District.
West Defuniak Elementary School is a standout institution that achieves strong academic results despite serving a student population where 70% qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school has earned a 4-star rating for the 2025-2026 school year and ranks in the 77th percentile statewide (509th out of 2,240 schools). Its student-teacher ratio is 14:1, with spending per student at $14,729. The school has shown remarkable year-over-year improvement, moving from a 3-star to a 4-star rating. Notably, chronic absenteeism is 21.5%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 31.4%, contributing to better learning outcomes.
Academically, the school outperforms both district and state averages in several key areas. In 5th grade, 80% of students are proficient in Science and Math, compared to state averages of 60% and 62% respectively. Third and 5th grade English Language Arts proficiency rates are 75%, well above the state averages of 60% and 61%. However, 4th grade Math is a relative weakness, with only 67% proficiency, which is below the district average of 79%. The 5th grade cohort is exceptionally strong, scoring 15-20 percentage points above state averages across subjects. This combination of high performance despite economic challenges, rapid improvement, and strong attendance makes West Defuniak Elementary School a compelling choice for families in the area.
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