Summary:
In zip code 32533, Cantonment, FL, there are two elementary schools, Kingsfield Elementary School and Jim Allen Elementary School, both serving grades PK-5 within the Escambia school district, which is ranked 51st out of 70 districts in Florida.
Kingsfield Elementary School is the standout school in this area, achieving higher academic results despite having lower per-student spending ($8,893 vs. $10,973) and a higher student-to-teacher ratio (17.3:1 vs. 14.1:1) than its counterpart. It is a math powerhouse, with 85% of 3rd graders and 79% of 4th graders proficient in math, far exceeding state averages. Its state ranking has reached the 70th percentile, and it has a lower chronic absenteeism rate (21.0%) and a lower percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (43.03%) compared to Jim Allen. In contrast, Jim Allen Elementary School is a solid, mid-performing school that excels in 5th-grade science, with 70% proficiency outpacing both the district and state. However, it faces greater challenges, including higher chronic absenteeism (26.7%) and a higher poverty rate (52.93% free/reduced lunch), and its math and ELA scores generally fall below state averages.
A key takeaway is the "efficiency paradox": Kingsfield outperforms Jim Allen academically while spending significantly less per student and having larger class sizes, suggesting highly effective instructional strategies. Both schools have chronic absenteeism rates better than the district average (33.5%), but Jim Allen's higher rate correlates with its greater socioeconomic needs. Year-over-year performance volatility is notable, especially at Kingsfield, where 5th-grade ELA proficiency dropped from 77% to 58% and math from 74% to 60% between school years, while Jim Allen's 5th-grade math saw a positive swing from 53% to 64%. This volatility warrants attention from the district.
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