Summary:
The 10 public schools in Orlando’s 32824 zip code, part of the Orange County school district, serve over 10,000 students across seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, with economic diversity reflected in free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 30% to 64%.
For parents, the standout elementary school is Stonewyck Elementary, a consistent 4-star school with the highest state ranking in the zip code (82nd percentile), top math and science proficiency, and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (18.7%). Wetherbee Elementary is another strong 4-star performer, leading in 3rd-grade math and English proficiency. In contrast, Sally Ride Elementary is the most challenged, with a 1-star rating for three years, the highest chronic absenteeism (36.2%), and critically low proficiency rates. Meadow Woods Elementary also struggles, dropping to a 1-star rating. At the middle school level, South Creek Middle excels in advanced math, with 84% proficient in Algebra 1 and 90% in Geometry, though many students struggle with on-grade-level math. The lone high school, Cypress Creek High, boasts a stellar 96.6% graduation rate but has a 2-star rating and a chronic absenteeism crisis at 56.4%.
A key takeaway is the strong link between economic status and performance: the three schools with the highest free/reduced lunch rates are among the lowest-performing, while the three with the lowest rates are top performers. Higher spending per student at struggling schools like Sally Ride ($14,836) does not translate to higher test scores, suggesting funds address greater student needs rather than driving achievement. The elementary feeder pattern creates stark disparities, with students at Stonewyck or Wetherbee receiving a top-tier education while those at Sally Ride or Meadow Woods face significant challenges before reaching middle school.
Thank you for your feedback!