Summary:
In zip code 33860 (Mulberry, FL), three elementary schools serve students from kindergarten through fifth grade, all part of the Polk district, which ranks in the bottom 20% of Florida districts and faces significant challenges with high poverty rates averaging 77% free/reduced lunch.
Willow Oak School stands out as the top performer in the area, earning a 2-star rating and ranking in the 32nd percentile statewide. It is the largest school with 996 students and consistently scores at or above district averages in ELA and math, with a relatively low chronic absenteeism rate of 25.6%—well below the district's 39.1%. In contrast, Purcell Elementary School is the most challenged, receiving a 0-star rating and ranking in the bottom 5% of Florida elementary schools. It has the highest chronic absenteeism rate (39.6%) and poverty rate (81.74%), and its 3rd grade math proficiency (36%) is nearly half that of Willow Oak (66%). RCMA Mulberry Community Academy is a unique, small school serving only grades K-2 with 107 students, offering the highest spending per student ($14,643) and lowest student-teacher ratio (15.2:1), but its limited data shows a stark contrast between strong 3rd grade math (62%) and very low 3rd grade ELA (23%).
The key takeaway is that chronic absenteeism is the defining challenge in this zip code, strongly correlating with academic outcomes. Willow Oak proves that a school can achieve above-average results even within a struggling district, while Purcell's high absenteeism rate is a critical red flag. The spending paradox is also notable: RCMA spends nearly $4,000 more per student than Willow Oak but shows weaker early literacy results, suggesting that higher investment alone does not guarantee success. For parents, Willow Oak is the clear anchor school, while Purcell requires close attention to attendance and support, and RCMA offers a small, specialized environment with a focus on early grades.
Thank you for your feedback!