Summary:
In zip code 33538, there is a single elementary school, Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School, serving grades PK through 5 in the Lake Panasoffkee area, which is part of the Sumter County school district.
Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School is a strong academic performer, particularly in mathematics. In the 2025-2026 school year, it earned a 4-star rating and ranked in the 73rd percentile statewide, a notable improvement from its 3-star rating the previous year. The school's math proficiency rates (76-78% across grades 3-5) consistently outpaced both district and state averages by 10-16 percentage points. English Language Arts scores also improved significantly, with all grade levels meeting or exceeding state averages in the most recent year. The school serves 621 students, with 43.8% eligible for free or reduced lunch, and spends $13,586 per student, with a student-teacher ratio of 16.7:1.
A key finding is the paradox of high academic achievement alongside a chronic absenteeism rate of 36.2%, which is notably higher than both the district (26.9%) and state (31.4%) averages. This suggests that students who attend regularly perform exceptionally well, or that the school's instruction is highly effective for its consistent attendees. The most dramatic improvement was in 5th Grade Math, which jumped 20 percentage points from 58% to 78% proficiency year-over-year, indicating a successful instructional change. While math is a clear strength, the school also showed strong gains in 4th Grade ELA, rising from 55% to 68% proficiency, demonstrating a balanced focus on literacy improvement in the intermediate grades.
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