Summary:
This analysis examines three elementary schools (PK-5) in zip code 34652, New Port Richey, Florida, all part of the Pasco school district, which serves a community with high economic disadvantage, as free/reduced lunch rates range from 69.79% to 72.27% across the schools.
James M. Marlowe Elementary School is the clear standout, earning a 2-star rating and ranking in the 39th percentile statewide, while Richey Elementary School and Anclote Elementary School both received 0-star ratings and rank in the bottom 5th percentile. Marlowe is the only school consistently outperforming district averages, with 56.7% ELA proficiency and 56.3% math proficiency, compared to Richey's 36.3% and 39.7%, respectively. Chronic absenteeism is the strongest predictor of performance: Marlowe has a 22.9% rate, Anclote 32.2%, and Richey a staggering 44.4%—nearly double Marlowe's rate. Notably, Richey spends the most per student ($14,417) and has the smallest class sizes (12.6:1), yet produces the worst outcomes, proving that resources alone cannot overcome severe attendance issues.
Marlowe is a "bright spot" defying the odds, achieving 64% proficiency in 5th-grade math—10 points above the district average—despite similar poverty levels to its peers. Anclote shows slight improvement but remains in the bottom 5% of Florida schools, while Richey's ranking has declined. A significant "math gap" exists at Richey and Anclote, where 5th-grade math scores (33%) trail the state average (62%) by nearly 30 points, suggesting systemic instructional challenges beyond reading. For parents, Marlowe offers the strongest academic environment, while Richey and Anclote face critical hurdles tied to attendance and math achievement.
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