Summary:
This analysis examines three elementary schools (PK-5) in the 32738 zip code of Deltona, Florida, all part of the Volusia County School District, revealing a diverse range of academic performance and socioeconomic factors.
Pride Elementary School is the standout performer, ranking in the 63rd percentile statewide with a 3-star rating, the highest in the area. It leads in math (68% proficiency), English Language Arts (65%), and 5th-grade science (64%), while also having the lowest chronic absenteeism (33.3%) and the lowest percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (59.51%). In contrast, Friendship Elementary School faces the greatest challenges, ranking in the 28th percentile with a 1-star rating, the highest chronic absenteeism (38.5%), and the highest poverty rate (73.66%), correlating with the lowest test scores across all subjects. Sunrise Elementary School is the most improved, jumping from the 9th percentile (0 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 40th percentile (2 stars) for 2025-2026, driven by strong gains in 3rd-grade math (from 45% to 80% proficiency) and ELA (from 48% to 69% proficiency).
Key takeaways include that spending per student does not correlate with performance—Sunrise spends the most ($12,499) but is not the top performer, while Pride spends the least ($11,629) and achieves the best results. Chronic absenteeism is a systemic issue, with all three schools exceeding the state average of 31.4%. Additionally, there is a noticeable decline in math proficiency from 3rd to 5th grade across all schools, suggesting a need for stronger upper-elementary instruction. Overall, Pride offers the strongest academic outcomes, Sunrise shows promising improvement, and Friendship requires targeted support to address its challenges.
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