Summary:
Zip code 33037 in Key Largo, Florida, is home to two elementary-level schools, Key Largo School and Ocean Studies Charter, both serving grades PK-8 or K-8 within the Monroe County School District, which holds a 4-star rating and ranks 19th out of 70 districts in Florida.
Ocean Studies Charter stands out as the top academic performer in the area, achieving exceptional results like 100% proficiency in 3rd Grade Math and Civics, and 90% in 8th Grade ELA for the 2025-2026 school year. It has improved its state ranking from the 60th to the 67th percentile over three years and serves a more affluent student body, with only 24.44% eligible for free/reduced lunch. In contrast, Key Largo School serves a higher-need population (61.74% free/reduced lunch) and spends more per student ($20,741 vs. $17,405), yet it excels in advanced middle school courses, achieving 100% proficiency in Algebra 1 EOC and 84% in Civics EOC. However, its overall state ranking has declined from the 55th to the 50th percentile, while Ocean Studies Charter continues to rise.
Both schools share a concern with chronic absenteeism, with rates of 24.6% at Key Largo School and 23.5% at Ocean Studies Charter, both above the district average of 21.8% but below the state average of 31.4%. This highlights an opportunity for improvement, as attendance is closely tied to academic success. For parents, the choice between these schools involves a trade-off: Ocean Studies Charter offers top-tier early elementary performance and a more efficient use of resources, while Key Largo School provides strong advanced coursework and invests heavily in supporting a diverse student body.
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