Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 33431

In zip code 33431 (Boca Raton, FL), three elementary schools—Verde K-8, Blue Lake Elementary, and J. C. Mitchell Elementary School—serve approximately 2,955 students from Pre-K through 8th grade (Verde K-8) or Pre-K through 5th grade (Blue Lake and J.C. Mitchell), all part of the Palm Beach School District.

Blue Lake Elementary is the standout school in this area, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the top 10% of all Florida elementary schools (91st percentile). Its academic performance is exceptional, with 87% of 5th graders proficient in Math and 84% in English Language Arts (ELA)—well above district and state averages. It also has the lowest percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (16.45%) and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (16.9%). Verde K-8 is also high-performing, with a 4-star rating and 71st percentile ranking, but its strength lies in middle school grades (6th-8th), where proficiency rates often exceed state averages by 20-30 points. However, its elementary grades show more moderate results, such as 54% proficiency in 4th grade Math. J. C. Mitchell Elementary School is the lowest-performing school, with a 2-star rating and 47th percentile ranking. Its test scores are generally below district and state averages, and it has the highest chronic absenteeism rate (26.2%) and the highest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (40.7%).

A key finding is the spending paradox: J. C. Mitchell Elementary has the highest per-student spending ($16,735) but the lowest academic performance, while Blue Lake Elementary spends less ($12,947) and achieves the best results. This suggests that higher spending alone does not guarantee better outcomes, as funds at J.C. Mitchell may be directed toward supporting a more disadvantaged student population and addressing higher absenteeism. Additionally, Verde K-8 shows a unique pattern of stellar middle school performance (e.g., 94% proficiency in 6th grade ELA) but mixed elementary results, indicating a strong academic program that may kick in during later grades. Overall, Blue Lake Elementary offers the most consistent high performance across all elementary grades.