Summary:
This analysis examines seven elementary schools serving grades PK-5 in the 32828 zip code of Orlando, Florida, all within the Orange school district, which ranks in the 57th percentile statewide.
Avalon Elementary stands out as the top performer, achieving a 5-star rating and ranking in the 95th percentile statewide. It boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (14.0%) and the lowest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (19.17%), with test scores consistently exceeding 80% proficiency. Timber Lakes Elementary is a consistent high-achiever with a 4-star rating, second-lowest absenteeism (15.1%), and strong test scores rivaling Avalon. In contrast, Castle Creek Elementary faces significant challenges as the only 2-star school, with the highest chronic absenteeism (28.6%) and free/reduced lunch rate (55.5%), resulting in test scores below district and state averages. Sunrise Elementary spends the most per student ($15,359) but is not the top performer, while Stone Lakes Elementary (83rd percentile) and Waterford Elementary (70th percentile) perform well. Camelot Elementary (65th percentile) and Castle Creek lag behind.
A key finding is the strong correlation between socioeconomic status and performance, with higher poverty rates linked to lower outcomes. Chronic absenteeism is a critical differentiator, as top schools have rates below 17% while struggling schools exceed 25%. Notably, math is a relative strength across the area, with every school scoring at or above the state average in 3rd-grade math. High spending does not guarantee high performance, as Sunrise spends the most but Timber Lakes spends the least ($11,306) and achieves top-tier results, suggesting resource allocation matters more than total spending.
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