Summary:
Zip code 34285 in Venice, Florida, is home to two elementary schools, Venice Elementary School and Garden Elementary School, both part of the highly-rated Sarasota school district, serving students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Venice Elementary School stands out as the top performer in the area, consistently achieving higher state rankings and test scores than Garden Elementary School. For the 2025-2026 school year, Venice ranked in the 88th percentile statewide, while Garden ranked in the 75th percentile. Venice also boasts stronger academic metrics, including an average ELA proficiency of 78.7% and math proficiency of 80%, compared to Garden’s 70.7% and 72.7%, respectively. Additionally, Venice has a lower chronic absenteeism rate (17.5% vs. 22.4%) and a smaller student-teacher ratio (13.1:1 vs. 14.2:1), which may contribute to its superior outcomes. However, Garden shows notable strengths in specific areas, such as outperforming Venice in 4th-grade ELA (77% vs. 72%) and making significant gains in 5th-grade math proficiency, rising from 59% to 72% over the past year.
A key differentiator is per-student spending, with Venice Elementary investing $18,034 per student compared to Garden Elementary's $14,944, a difference that correlates with better academic performance and resources. While both schools are above average for the state, Venice offers a more consistent, high-achieving environment, whereas Garden demonstrates targeted improvements that may appeal to families seeking a school with upward momentum. Overall, families in this zip code have access to two solid elementary options within a top-tier district, with Venice providing the strongest overall academic profile.
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