Summary:
Zip code 32548 in Fort Walton Beach, FL, is served by two public elementary schools, Elliott Point Elementary School and Annette P. Edwins Elementary School, both part of the high-performing Okaloosa School District, which ranks in the 83rd percentile statewide.
Annette P. Edwins Elementary School stands out as the stronger academic performer, particularly in mathematics. It has shown a clear upward trend in its state ranking, moving from the 34th to the 46th percentile over three years, while Elliott Point Elementary School has remained stagnant around the 36th percentile. Edwins significantly outperforms Elliott Point in math, with 75% of 3rd graders and 68% of 4th graders proficient in 2025-2026, well above state averages. Interestingly, Edwins achieves these results while spending $1,531 less per student than Elliott Point ($11,650 vs. $13,181), suggesting more efficient resource use. However, Elliott Point excels in 5th grade science, with a 53% proficiency rate that is 10 points higher than Edwins' 43%.
Both schools serve a high-poverty population, with over 74% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and both face extremely high chronic absenteeism rates exceeding 32%—significantly worse than the district average of 20.5%. This absenteeism is likely a key factor in their below-average state rankings. While Elliott Point spends more per student, it does not translate to better overall outcomes, highlighting that factors like instructional quality and school culture may be more impactful. Edwins' positive momentum, with three consecutive years of ranking improvement and strong math scores, makes it a school to watch for continued growth.
Thank you for your feedback!