Summary:
This analysis examines five elementary schools (Prairie Lake Elementary, Hiawassee Elementary, Lake Gem Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, and West Oaks Elementary) serving grades PK-5 in Orlando’s zip code 32818, all part of the Orange school district.
Prairie Lake Elementary is the clear standout, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 63rd percentile statewide—a remarkable 27-percentile-point jump in just two years. It leads in nearly every academic subject, including 3rd and 4th grade math, and has the lowest economic need (48.97% free/reduced lunch) and lowest per-student spending ($11,183). In contrast, West Oaks Elementary struggles with a 1-star rating, the lowest state ranking (22nd percentile), and the highest free/reduced lunch rate (75.51%). Pinewood Elementary and Lake Gem Elementary spend the most per student ($14,812 and $14,445 respectively) but do not achieve the top test scores, highlighting that spending alone doesn’t guarantee success.
A bright spot is chronic absenteeism: all five schools are well below the district average of 35.2%, with Pinewood Elementary leading at just 20.1%. While Prairie Lake Elementary dominates overall, Pinewood Elementary showed competitive 5th grade science scores (63% proficiency in 2025-2026). The data reveals a clear economic divide: schools with lower free/reduced lunch rates, like Prairie Lake, consistently outperform those with higher rates, such as West Oaks and Hiawassee Elementary (73.67%). For parents, Prairie Lake offers the strongest academic trajectory, while West Oaks and Hiawassee may benefit from additional support.
Thank you for your feedback!