Summary:
In zip code 33982, there is one elementary school, East Elementary School, serving grades PK through 5 in Punta Gorda, Florida, with a substantial enrollment of 814 students.
East Elementary School shows a mixed performance profile that parents should understand. The school excels in early grades, with 3rd and 4th graders significantly outperforming both the Charlotte district and state averages in Math and English Language Arts (ELA) for the 2025-2026 school year. However, there is a notable decline in 5th grade, where proficiency in Math (53%) and ELA (54%) falls below district and state averages. This pattern has persisted for two consecutive years, suggesting a systemic challenge at this grade level. Additionally, 5th Grade Science proficiency (48%) is the lowest of all tested subjects and well below the state average (60%). On a positive note, the school's state ranking has improved from the 40th percentile (2 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 50th percentile (3 stars) in 2025-2026, indicating overall progress.
Key metrics provide important context for parents. The student-teacher ratio is 16.6:1, and spending per student is $12,369. Nearly half of the students (48.28%) qualify for free or reduced lunch, yet the chronic absenteeism rate (28.3%) is lower than both the district (31.2%) and state (31.4%) averages, suggesting strong school engagement. The school's improving state ranking, combined with its strong early-grade performance and lower absenteeism, indicates effective use of resources. The primary area of concern remains the "5th grade cliff" in academic performance, which the school administration should investigate to ensure all students succeed through elementary school.
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