Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 32819

This analysis examines four elementary schools in zip code 32819 (Orlando, FL), serving grades Pre-K through 5th grade, which include three traditional public schools under the Orange district and one statewide virtual school.

Dr. Phillips Elementary is the top academic performer, consistently ranking in the 88th percentile of Florida elementary schools with the highest proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math, and the lowest rate of economic disadvantage (25.24% free/reduced lunch). Palm Lake Elementary is a strong and improving choice, having maintained a 4-star rating for three years and climbing to the 82nd percentile, with competitive test scores in Science and Math. In contrast, Tangelo Park Elementary faces significant challenges, ranking in the bottom 20% (19th percentile) with a 1-star rating and a critically high chronic absenteeism rate of 48.3%, far above the state average. Florida Virtual Elementary School offers a unique, non-traditional model with the largest enrollment (2,145 students) and an extremely low chronic absenteeism rate of 8.6%, though its academic performance is mid-range (47th percentile).

Key metrics reveal a clear correlation between economic disadvantage and academic outcomes, with Dr. Phillips and Palm Lake outperforming Tangelo Park. Chronic absenteeism is a powerful predictor of performance, as Tangelo Park's high rate directly correlates with low scores, while Florida Virtual's low rate suggests its flexible model effectively ensures attendance. Notably, spending per student does not guarantee results: Tangelo Park and Palm Lake spend the most ($12,021 and $12,926 per student), yet their outcomes are at opposite ends of the spectrum, indicating that how money is spent matters more than the amount. The virtual school presents a trade-off, offering cost-effective engagement and attendance at the expense of a higher student-teacher ratio (23:1) and only average academic proficiency compared to top traditional schools.