Summary:
This analysis examines 11 elementary schools in zip code 33143 (Miami/South Miami, FL), serving grades PK-5 or PK-8, which present a diverse educational landscape ranging from a nationally top-ranked school to several performing below state averages, with a notable concentration of charter schools managed by districts including Miami-Dade, Broward, Osceola, Lake, Orange, and Palm Beach.
The standout school is Sunset Elementary School, a 5-star school ranked in the top 0.2% of Florida elementary schools with proficiency rates in the mid-to-high 90s and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (6.5%) among schools with available data. Another top performer is Somerset Academy Elementary School (South Miami Campus), also a 5-star school with a remarkable 3.8% chronic absenteeism rate. In contrast, Mater Academy At St Cloud and Somerset Academy Lakes are 2-star schools with below-average test scores and high chronic absenteeism (30.7% and 64% free/reduced lunch, respectively). Notably, seven schools share the address "6340 Sunset Dr," suggesting a centralized administrative hub for virtual or satellite charter programs, which means the physical learning location may differ from the listed address.
Key metrics show enrollment ranges from 260 (Ludlam Elementary School) to 1,192 (Sunset Elementary School), with an average chronic absenteeism of 16.5% (well below the state average of 31.4%). Spending per student varies from $8,232 (Pinecrest Academy Avalon) to $17,446 (Ludlam Elementary School), but higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes—top-performing Sunset Elementary School spends a moderate $12,155 per student. The data challenges simple correlations between poverty and performance, as Mater Academy At St Cloud has the lowest poverty rate (3.43%) but is a 2-star school, while Somerset Academy Elementary School (South Miami Campus) has a moderate poverty rate (16.9%) but excels. This highlights that school culture and leadership, not just demographics, drive success.
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