Summary:
This analysis examines three elementary-level schools in the 32922 zip code of Cocoa, Florida, all part of the Brevard County School District, serving a predominantly low-income population with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 65.71% to 76.99%.
Cambridge Elementary Magnet School stands out as the most consistently high-performing school in the area, earning a 1-star rating for three consecutive years and achieving the highest state ranking percentile (21st). Its test scores generally exceed district and state averages, particularly in Science and Math for upper elementary grades. In contrast, Endeavour Elementary School is the most concerning, with the lowest state ranking (4th percentile), 0 stars for three consecutive years, and the highest chronic absenteeism rate (36.9%)—nearly double the district average. Emma Jewel Charter Academy presents a paradoxical profile: it has the highest free/reduced lunch rate (76.99%) and highest student-teacher ratio (20.5:1), yet produces exceptional results on Algebra 1 (90% proficiency) and Civics EOC exams (87% proficiency), far exceeding district averages. However, its performance in foundational elementary subjects like 5th-grade Science (13%) and 4th-grade Math (25%) is the lowest in the area.
Key takeaways include that the magnet school's specialized curriculum appears to effectively mitigate challenges associated with poverty, as Cambridge outperforms Endeavour despite a higher poverty rate. Chronic absenteeism is a critical differentiator, with Endeavour's rate significantly higher than both the state and district averages. Spending per student does not correlate with success, as the highest-spending school (Cambridge at $13,731) performs best, while the lowest-spending school (Emma Jewel at $12,994) produces the most exceptional high-level results. Emma Jewel's bimodal performance suggests strong middle school programs but struggling foundational elementary instruction, while Endeavour shows inconsistent year-over-year improvement, such as a jump in 5th-grade Science from 19% to 53% that may not be sustainable across all subjects.
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