Summary:
Zip code 32666, serving the Melrose area, is home to a single elementary school, Melrose Elementary School, which serves grades PK through 6 and stands out as a high-performing bright spot within the Putnam County School District, a district ranked in the bottom 11% of Florida.
Melrose Elementary School consistently outperforms its district in nearly every academic metric, ranking in the top 33% of all elementary schools statewide. The school's 6th grade is particularly exceptional, achieving an 85% proficiency rate in English Language Arts and an 88% proficiency rate in Math, both far exceeding state averages of 62% and 60%, respectively. This strong performance is part of a clear upward academic trajectory from 3rd through 6th grade, suggesting effective instruction and curriculum alignment. However, the school faces a critical challenge with chronic absenteeism at 41.3%, which is over 10 percentage points higher than the state average, indicating that reducing absenteeism could be the most impactful way to further improve overall performance.
With an enrollment of 353 students, a student-teacher ratio of 15.3:1, and per-student spending of $14,289, the school invests significant resources that appear to yield positive academic returns. While 47.88% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating moderate economic disadvantage, the school's academic results demonstrate strong local leadership and community support overcoming broader district challenges. The 5th grade shows some year-over-year volatility in test scores, particularly in Science where proficiency jumped from 54% to 61%, making it a grade level worth monitoring. Overall, Melrose Elementary School offers a high-quality education option in an otherwise low-performing district, with standout upper-grade performance that rivals top schools across Florida.
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