Summary:
This analysis examines seven elementary schools serving grades PK-5 in zip code 32824 (Orlando, FL), all part of the Orange school district, revealing a clear divide in academic performance and resources across the area.
The top-performing schools in the area are Stonewyck Elementary and Wetherbee Elementary. Stonewyck leads with the highest state ranking (78th percentile) and strong test scores, particularly in Math and Science, where it often exceeds district and state averages by significant margins. Wetherbee shows a strong upward trend, improving its state ranking to the 76th percentile, and has the largest enrollment (939 students) with the lowest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (30.56%). In contrast, Sally Ride Elementary and Meadow Woods Elementary face significant challenges, ranking in the bottom quartile of the state (17th and 26th percentiles, respectively) with test scores well below averages. Wyndham Lakes Elementary presents a paradox, spending the second-highest amount per student ($13,167) yet achieving only a 56th percentile ranking with below-average test scores. Southwood Elementary and Oakshire Elementary occupy a middle ground with moderate performance.
Key takeaways for parents include that higher per-student spending does not guarantee better results—the top-performing schools spend the least, while the lowest-performing spend the most. Chronic absenteeism is a critical issue, with the lowest-performing schools having rates (36.2% and 34.9%) above the already high district average (35.2%), while top performers like Stonewyck (18.7%) and Wetherbee (21.5%) are well below the state average. This data highlights a two-tier system within the zip code, where schools with lower poverty rates and lower absenteeism consistently outperform those with higher poverty and absenteeism, regardless of spending levels.
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