Summary:
Zip code 33538 is home to a single school, Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School, a public elementary school serving grades PK through 5 with 621 students in the Sumter County district, which is ranked 26th out of 70 districts in Florida.
Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School is a clear academic standout, particularly in Mathematics, where it outperformed both the district and state averages in every grade level for the 2025-2026 school year. For example, 78% of 5th graders were proficient in math, compared to the state average of 62%. The school also shows strong performance in English Language Arts, with 68% of 4th and 5th graders proficient, and in 5th-grade Science, where 68% were proficient against a state average of 60%. Its state ranking improved to the 73rd percentile (4 stars), making it a top performer within its average-rated district. The school has a moderate economic diversity, with 43.8% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, and a student-teacher ratio of 16.7:1 with per-student spending of $13,586.
The most striking finding is the contrast between high academic achievement and a chronic absenteeism rate of 36.2%, which is significantly higher than both the district (26.9%) and state (31.4%) averages. This suggests the school is achieving excellent results despite a major attendance challenge. The school's math program is a particular strength, with 5th-grade math seeing a dramatic 20-point improvement from the previous year. While not as dominant as math, ELA scores have shown resilience and improvement, rebounding from a weak point in 4th grade to surpass district averages. Overall, Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School is a high-performing school within an average district, indicating strong local leadership and teaching that could unlock even greater potential if absenteeism is addressed.
Thank you for your feedback!