Summary:
This analysis examines three elementary schools in zip code 33472 (Boynton Beach, FL), all part of the Palm Beach district, serving grades PK-5 in a suburban area with a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Sunset Palms Elementary School is the standout performer, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 90th percentile statewide. It boasts the highest test scores—83% proficiency in 3rd-grade ELA and 86% in 3rd-grade math—far exceeding district and state averages. With only 8.47% of students on free/reduced lunch and a low 12.8% chronic absenteeism rate, it benefits from strong socioeconomic advantages. In contrast, Crystal Lakes Elementary School holds a solid 4-star rating and 77th percentile rank, with moderate scores like 66% in 3rd-grade ELA and 76% in math, but has a higher 32.36% free/reduced lunch rate. Ben Gamla-Palm Beach is the lowest-ranked at 3 stars and 62nd percentile, with scores like 48% in 3rd-grade ELA and 52% in math, though it shows a positive trajectory from a 49th percentile rank in 2023-2024.
A key finding is a consistent "4th-grade math slump" across all schools, where proficiency drops sharply from 3rd to 4th grade before rebounding in 5th grade—for example, at Sunset Palms from 86% to 52% to 84%. Spending does not correlate with performance: Crystal Lakes spends the most per student ($15,067) but underperforms Sunset Palms ($14,021), while Ben Gamla spends the least ($11,713). Socioeconomic status strongly predicts outcomes, with lower free/reduced lunch rates linked to higher scores. Ben Gamla shows volatility, with wild year-to-year test fluctuations and high chronic absenteeism (26.8%), but its improving state rank suggests potential for growth.
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