Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary-level schools in the 34746 zip code of Kissimmee, Florida, which serve grades PK-5 through PK-8 and are part of the Osceola school district, a district ranked in the bottom 20% of Florida.
The standout performer in this area is Bellalago Charter Academy, which consistently earns a 2-star rating and leads in average ELA proficiency (58.5%). It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (23.7%) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (16.9:1). Mater Brighton Lakes shows strong potential, particularly in advanced coursework like Algebra 1 (89% proficient) and Geometry (100% proficient), despite having the highest chronic absenteeism rate (45.9%) and a high poverty rate (83.58%). In contrast, Knights Point K-8 is the lowest-performing school, earning a 0-star rating and ranking in the bottom 2% of Florida elementary schools, with the highest student-teacher ratio (19.3:1) and lowest per-student spending ($6,114). Sunrise Elementary School has the highest per-student spending ($11,676) but only achieves a 1-star rating, with average proficiency scores falling in the middle of the pack.
A key takeaway is that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes, as Sunrise Elementary spends the most but underperforms compared to Mater Brighton Lakes, which spends less. Chronic absenteeism emerges as a critical factor, with Bellalago’s low rate correlating with its top performance, while Mater Brighton Lakes’ high rate likely suppresses its overall ranking. The two charter schools outperform the traditional public schools, but the K-8 model is not a universal advantage, as Knights Point K-8 struggles despite the same structure. For parents, Bellalago Charter Academy offers the most balanced and consistent education, while Mater Brighton Lakes is a strong choice for students seeking advanced math and science opportunities.
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