Summary:
In zip code 32901 (Melbourne, FL), there is one elementary school, University Park Elementary School, serving grades PK through 6 with 529 students as part of the Brevard Public Schools district.
University Park Elementary School faces significant challenges, with a chronic absenteeism rate of 41.5%—nearly double the district average of 21.1% and well above the state average of 31.4%. Over 76% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high-poverty school. The school's state ranking has been consistently low, placing in the bottom 11% of Florida elementary schools over the last three years, including a 5th percentile ranking (2,139th out of 2,240 schools) for the 2025-2026 school year. Test scores are substantially below district and state averages across all subjects and grades, with English Language Arts proficiency ranging from 27% (5th grade) to 44% (6th grade), compared to district averages of 61% to 74%. Math proficiency ranges from 25% (5th grade) to 52% (6th grade), while district averages range from 58% to 74%.
Despite these struggles, there are some notable points. The school spends $14,277 per student, a high amount likely reflecting its Title I status and need for additional support services. Sixth grade is a relative bright spot, achieving the highest proficiency rates in both English Language Arts (44%) and Math (52%), with the math score approaching the state average of 60%. However, the high spending has not yet translated into competitive academic outcomes, suggesting that the deep-seated challenges of poverty and absenteeism require more targeted interventions. Addressing the 41.5% chronic absenteeism rate would likely be the most impactful strategy for improving all other metrics at University Park Elementary School.
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