Summary:
The three elementary schools in zip code 32578 (Niceville, FL) serve grades PK through 5 within the highly-rated Okaloosa County School District, and they collectively represent a top-tier educational environment where all schools significantly outperform state averages.
Bluewater Elementary School is the clear academic leader, ranking in the 96th percentile statewide with exceptional math (89.3%) and science (85%) proficiency. James E. Plew Elementary School is the consistent, high-value performer, achieving top-10% rankings for three straight years with the lowest per-student spending ($9,100) while matching Bluewater's ELA scores. Lula J. Edge Elementary School serves a more economically diverse population (46.51% free/reduced lunch) and receives the highest funding per student ($11,090) with the smallest class sizes (16.4:1), yet still posts above-average scores. A standout feature across all three schools is their exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rates (8.6% to 14.2%), far below the district (20.5%) and state (31.4%) averages, indicating strong community engagement.
Key takeaways for parents: Bluewater offers the highest test scores and a rapidly improving trajectory, making it ideal for families prioritizing top-tier academics. Plew provides exceptional consistency and efficiency, delivering elite results without the highest spending. Edge demonstrates a dedicated, resource-rich approach to supporting a diverse student body, though its scores trail the other two. The most dramatic finding is the opposite trend in 5th grade science: Bluewater's scores soared 12 points to 85%, while Edge's dropped 12 points to 62%, a divergence worth investigating. Overall, this zip code offers three excellent, safe, and high-performing elementary options, with the choice largely depending on whether you prioritize raw academic dominance (Bluewater), proven consistency (Plew), or a high-support environment (Edge).
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