Best Public Schools in Ocala, FL

The city of Ocala, Florida is home to 42 schools that are part of the Marion School District, which is ranked 61 out of 68 districts in Florida and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. The district serves a diverse student population across 23 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 12 high schools, and 1 alternative school.

A few schools stand out in the Ocala area, including Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, which is ranked 84 out of 2,256 Florida elementary schools and has a 5-star rating, as well as Eighth Street Elementary School, which is ranked 159 out of 2,256 and also has a 5-star rating. These top-performing schools have exceptional test scores, with 70-95% of students proficient or better in various subjects. In contrast, many other schools in the district struggle, with test scores 10-20 percentage points below the state average.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance and student demographics across the Ocala schools. Schools with higher percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch tend to have lower test scores and graduation rates. Addressing issues like chronic absenteeism, which ranges from 9.6% to 91% across the district, will be crucial for the Marion School District to improve educational outcomes for all students.