Summary:
The five elementary schools in Orlando's 32827 zip code (Lake Nona area) serve grades PK-5 (with two K-8 charters) within the Orange district, offering a mix of high-performing traditional public schools and charter schools with varying outcomes.
Laureate Park Elementary is the clear academic leader, ranking 44th out of 2,240 schools statewide with a 5-star rating and the lowest free/reduced lunch rate (10.74%). It consistently scores 20-30 points above district and state averages. Northlake Park Community Elementary is a consistent 5-star performer (94th percentile) with the highest per-student spending ($11,595) and a low student-teacher ratio (16.8:1). Pinecrest Preparatory Charter is a high-achieving K-8 charter (5 stars, 90th percentile) that achieved 100% proficiency in Algebra 1 EOC, despite serving a more economically diverse population (39% free/reduced lunch). Village Park Elementary (4 stars) shows a distinct strength in math, with 4th-grade math proficiency (84%) outpacing its ELA scores. Mater Academy Narcoossee (3 stars) is the lowest-ranked school in the zip code, with a concerning middle school "drop-off" where 8th-grade science proficiency falls to just 30%.
Key takeaways: Spending does not equal performance, as Laureate Park outperforms Northlake Park despite spending $2,235 less per student. Chronic absenteeism is a strong warning sign—Laureate Park has the lowest rate (10.4%) and highest rank, while Village Park has the highest absenteeism (20.6%) and lowest rank. Charter school quality varies dramatically, with Pinecrest Prep excelling while Mater Academy struggles, particularly in middle school science.
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