Summary:
In zip code 34472 (Ocala, FL), there are four schools serving grades PK-12 within the Marion County school district, which ranks in the bottom 10% of Florida districts, creating a challenging educational landscape for families.
Marion Charter School is the clear standout, earning a 3-star rating and outperforming all other local schools in nearly every subject. For example, 84% of its 5th graders were proficient in math, far exceeding the state average of 62%. This success comes despite serving a high-poverty population (57.89% free/reduced lunch) and spending the least per student ($9,559). In stark contrast, Lake Weir High School and Emerald Shores Elementary School are the most challenged, with 1-star or 0-star ratings and test scores well below state averages. Only 19% of Lake Weir students were proficient in Algebra 1, compared to the state average of 63%. Greenway Elementary School shows mixed results, with some strengths in 5th-grade subjects but overall low rankings.
Chronic absenteeism is a powerful predictor of performance: Marion Charter has a low rate of 15.5%, while Lake Weir (40.4%) and Emerald Shores (35.4%) have much higher rates. Notably, spending does not equal success—Greenway spends the most per student ($12,300) but is not the top performer. For parents, the data suggests that Marion Charter School offers the strongest academic environment, while Lake Weir High School and Emerald Shores face significant systemic challenges that require attention.
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