Summary:
This analysis examines five elementary schools in zip code 33016, which covers parts of Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, and Miami Lakes, Florida, serving grades PK-5, K-5, and PK-8, and reveals a stark contrast in academic performance and resources within a small geographic area.
The standout school is Bob Graham Education Center, a consistent 4-star academic powerhouse with the highest state percentile rank (74th) and exceptional advanced coursework results, including 100% proficiency in Geometry and Biology 1 EOCs. It also boasts the lowest economic disadvantage rate (40.46%) and the second-highest per-student spending ($12,859). In contrast, Mater Palms Academy is the lowest-performing school, with a 1-star rating and a steep decline from the 53rd to the 32nd state percentile. It is the only school in the Osceola district despite its Hialeah Gardens address, and it has the highest chronic absenteeism (28.5%) and lowest per-student spending ($7,832). Mater Academy defies expectations as a top 4-star school with the highest economic disadvantage (92.57% free/reduced lunch) and the second-lowest spending ($9,983), consistently outperforming district and state averages. Ben Sheppard Elementary School presents a paradox: despite the highest spending ($13,125) and lowest student-teacher ratio (15.9:1), it only achieves a 3-star rating and a 51st percentile rank. Youth Co-Op Charter School shows a notable "middle school dip," with 3rd graders scoring 73% in math but 8th graders dropping to 36%.
A key takeaway is that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes, as seen with Ben Sheppard versus Mater Academy. Additionally, all five schools have chronic absenteeism rates below the state average of 31.4%, ranging from 19.0% at Mater Academy to 28.5% at Mater Palms. The average per-student spending across the area is $10,636, and the average student-teacher ratio is 18.7:1, highlighting significant resource disparities that do not always align with academic success.
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