Summary:
The three schools in zip code 34243 (Sarasota, FL) are part of the Manatee school district, which holds a 2-star rating, and include two public elementary schools serving grades PK-5 and one specialized alternative school serving grades PK-12.
Marjorie G. Kinnan Elementary School stands out as the most academically improved school in the area, with its state ranking jumping from the 41st percentile to the 58th percentile over two years. It leads in 5th Grade Science (69%) and 5th Grade English Language Arts (72%). In contrast, Florine J Abel Elementary School is the strongest in mathematics, achieving 82% proficiency in 4th Grade Math and 76% in 5th Grade Math, significantly outperforming state averages. However, Abel's overall state ranking has slightly declined, and it faces a high chronic absenteeism rate of 33.9%, compared to Kinnan's 28.3%. Both schools serve a high-poverty population with an average free/reduced lunch rate of 70.8%, and their spending per student is nearly identical at around $14,800. A notable anomaly is that both elementary schools report 100% proficiency in 6th Grade Math for two consecutive years, which likely reflects a very small, non-representative group of advanced students rather than a broad trend.
Easter Seals is a completely different entity—a public alternative school with only 12 students and an extremely low student-teacher ratio of 1.2:1, designed for students with significant special needs. It does not report standardized test scores, focusing instead on intensive support. For parents, Kinnan offers a strong upward trajectory and better attendance, while Abel excels in math but struggles with chronic absenteeism. The 6th Grade Math data should be viewed with caution, and Easter Seals provides a unique, high-support option for families with specific needs.
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