Summary:
Zip code 33594 in Valrico, FL, is home to two public elementary schools, Valrico Elementary School and Buckhorn Elementary School, both serving grades PK-5 within the Hillsborough County School District.
These two schools present a fascinating contrast in academic strengths. Valrico Elementary is a powerhouse in the lower grades, with its 4th-grade students achieving an exceptional 85% proficiency in both ELA and Math in the most recent testing—far exceeding district and state averages. In contrast, Buckhorn Elementary excels in the upper grades, with 5th-grade students posting remarkable 88% proficiency in Math and 73% in Science. While Valrico holds a higher overall state ranking (81st percentile vs. Buckhorn's 63rd percentile for 2024-2025), both schools are projected to converge at the 69th percentile for the upcoming year. Notably, Valrico achieves its higher performance despite serving a more economically disadvantaged student body (46% free/reduced lunch) compared to Buckhorn (38%), and with slightly lower per-student spending ($12,313 vs. $12,533). Chronic absenteeism is a shared concern, with Valrico at 27.2% and Buckhorn at 22.2%, though both are below the district average of 31.3%.
For parents, the choice may come down to grade-level priorities. If you have a child entering 3rd or 4th grade, Valrico Elementary's lower-grade instruction is exceptionally strong. If your child is in 5th grade, Buckhorn's upper-grade STEM focus is a standout. Both schools offer similar student-teacher ratios (around 14.6:1) and are well-regarded within the district, but their distinct academic profiles mean that the best fit depends on your child's specific grade and learning needs.
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