Summary:
Zip code 32826 in Orlando, FL, is home to two elementary schools (PK-5) within the Orange County school district: East Lake Elementary and Bonneville Elementary.
East Lake Elementary is the clear standout in this area, consistently outperforming its counterpart across nearly all academic measures. East Lake achieved proficiency rates above district and state averages in five out of seven tests, including a 75% proficiency rate in 5th Grade Science and 72% in 3rd Grade Math. Its state ranking has climbed from the 51st percentile to the 64th percentile over two years, earning a 3-star rating. In contrast, Bonneville Elementary ranks in the 39th percentile (2 stars) and only met district averages in one test. A key factor is chronic absenteeism: East Lake’s rate is 26.8%, well below the district average of 35.2%, while Bonneville’s rate is a concerning 39.0%.
A striking paradox emerges with spending and resources. Bonneville Elementary spends $19,687 per student—$5,884 more than East Lake Elementary—and has a lower student-teacher ratio (11.7:1 vs. 14.8:1), yet it achieves significantly lower academic results. This suggests that higher investment does not automatically translate to better outcomes. Bonneville also has a higher percentage of students eligible for free/reduced lunch (62.4% vs. 49.31%), which, combined with its high absenteeism, creates compounding challenges. East Lake’s ability to outperform despite moderate poverty levels indicates effective strategies and a healthier school culture, making it the top choice for parents in this zip code.
Thank you for your feedback!