Watkins Elementary School

Summary:

Watkins Elementary School is a public elementary school in Pembroke Park, Florida, serving 398 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Broward County School District, which is ranked 30th out of 68 districts in Florida and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Watkins Elementary stands out for its significantly higher percentage of African American students (69.35%) compared to nearby schools, which range from 34.25% to 79.29% African American. The school also has consistently high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 36.3% to 42.2% in recent years, significantly higher than the 13.3% to 41.7% range of surrounding schools. Academically, Watkins Elementary consistently underperforms compared to Broward County and Florida state averages, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math around 28-40% and 36-53%, respectively, versus Broward's 57-60% and 61-65%, and Florida's 53-55% and 56-60%. Additionally, Watkins has an extremely high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 84.03% to 85.93%, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage.

While Watkins Elementary shares a similar district and demographic profile with nearby schools like Lake Forest Elementary and Annabel C. Perry PK-8, it consistently underperforms these schools in terms of test scores and chronic absenteeism rates. Watkins Elementary's statewide ranking has also steadily declined over the past decade, from 1365 out of 2182 Florida elementary schools in 2018-2019 to 1908 out of 2256 in 2023-2024, with a consistent 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's high rates of chronic absenteeism and economic disadvantage may be contributing to its underperformance, suggesting a need for targeted interventions and support to address these challenges.

Detail:

Public, Magnet PK, KG-5

3520 SW 52nd Ave
Pembroke Park, FL 33023

(754) 323-7800

District: Broward

SchoolDigger Rank:
1908^th of 2,256 Florida Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $16,196

Students who attend Watkins Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	McNicol Middle School
High:	Hallandale High School

Student/teacher ratio: 14.8

Number of students: 398

Racial breakdown:

African American:

69.3%

Hispanic:

25.9%

White:

3.3%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 85.9%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare Watkins Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Watkins Elementary School ranks worse than 84.6% of elementary schools in Florida. It also ranks 177^th among 189 ranked elementary schools in the Broward School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 19.71. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (69.3%), Hispanic (25.9%), White (3.3%). (See more...)

Compare Details 85.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Watkins Elementary School is 14.8, which is the 22^nd best among 189 elementary schools in the Broward School District. (See more...)

Compare Watkins Elementary School employs 26.7 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Watkins Elementary School is $16,196, which is the 12^th highest among 189 elementary schools in the Broward School District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Watkins Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Broward:

SchoolDigger ranks Broward 30^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Watkins Elementary School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	FL State Percentile
2006	33.95	1159^th	1688	31.3%
2007	30.89	1302^nd	1786	27.1%
2008	35.89	1225^th	1789	31.5%
2009	45.50	1072^nd	1847	42.0%
2010	44.81	1145^th	1919	40.3%
2011	23.66	1613^th	1985	18.7%
2012	17.50	1710^th	1984	13.8%
2013	16.92	1801^st	2029	11.2%
2014	17.38	1812^th	2064	12.2%
2016	14.99	1865^th	2087	10.6%
2017	26.70	1585^th	2112	25.0%
2018	20.76	1771^st	2118	16.4%
2019	38.14	1365^th	2182	37.4%
2021	19.05	1859^th	2247	17.3%
2022	30.95	1554^th	2219	30.0%
2023	18.36	1953^rd	2240	12.8%
2024	19.71	1908^th	2256	15.4%

See the entire list of Florida Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Excellent school for kids, safe environment, dedicated teachers ready to help. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Watkins Elementary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	166	217	3	63	5	n/a	n/a	0	454
1989	147	227	6	77	5	n/a	n/a	0	462
1990	136	227	11	99	1	n/a	n/a	0	474
1991	140	272	8	79	3	n/a	n/a	0	502
1992	128	288	5	93	2	n/a	n/a	0	516
1993	117	246	10	86	2	n/a	n/a	0	461
1994	100	300	4	152	2	n/a	n/a	0	558
1995	124	416	10	196	1	n/a	n/a	0	747
1996	124	416	10	196	1	n/a	n/a	0	747
1997	119	499	2	203	2	n/a	n/a	0	825
1998	117	546	6	215	3	n/a	n/a	0	887
1999	108	618	7	239	3	n/a	n/a	0	975
2000	92	648	5	220	1	n/a	n/a	0	966
2001	76	673	9	206	1	n/a	n/a	0	965
2002	53	635	7	188	3	n/a	n/a	0	886
2003	53	635	7	188	3	n/a	n/a	0	886
2004	48	680	8	203	3	n/a	n/a	0	942
2005	39	659	8	182	3	n/a	n/a	0	891
2006	26	597	10	175	1	n/a	n/a	0	809
2007	28	536	9	167	0	n/a	n/a	13	753
2008	21	544	6	157	0	n/a	n/a	18	746
2009	21	577	6	140	1	n/a	n/a	17	762
2010	14	579	6	140	1	n/a	n/a	14	754
2011	11	603	5	133	0	0	9	0	761
2012	14	610	11	124	0	1	10	0	770
2013	7	584	10	115	0	1	6	0	723
2014	14	565	6	128	0	1	6	0	720
2015	9	546	8	137	0	1	5	0	706
2016	11	503	7	144	0	1	7	0	673
2017	14	460	5	119	0	1	7	0	606
2018	18	426	5	107	0	0	7	0	563
2019	11	387	6	128	0	1	7	0	540
2020	5	366	7	117	0	1	7	0	503
2021	9	303	5	105	0	1	9	0	432
2022	12	278	3	94	0	1	7	0	395
2023	13	276	3	103	0	1	2	0	398

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Watkins Elementary School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	454	23.0	19.7	65.9
1989	462	27.0	17.1	66.7
1990	474	26.0	18.2	70.5
1991	502	26.0	19.3	69.3
1992	516	28.0	18.4	29.7
1993	461	29.0	15.9	61.2
1994	558	29.0	19.2	67
1995	747	35.0	21.3	79.1
1996	747	35.0	21.3	79.1
1997	825	44.0	18.8	58.3
1998	887	47.0	18.9	67.1
1999	975	51.0	19.1	69.6
2000	966	52.0	18.6	69.7
2001	965	55.0	17.5	65.2
2002	886	55.0	16.1	80.2
2003	886	55.0	16.1	80.2
2004	942	58.0	16.2	84.8
2005	891	66.0	13.5	78.5
2006	809	63.0	12.8	81.7
2007	753	58.0	13.0	79.6
2008	746	57.0	13.1	88.7
2009	762	71.6	12.9	88.2
2010	754	55.0	13.7	93.5
2011	761	55.3	13.7	92
2012	770	48.8	15.7	91.7
2013	723	50.0	14.4	90.9
2014	720	50.0	14.4	92.8
2015	706	50.0	14.1	95.5
2016	673	45.0	14.9	94.8
2017	606	45.0	13.4	95
2018	563	40.0	14.0	87.2
2019	540	33.0	16.3	91.3
2020	503	31.0	16.2	91.1
2021	432	31.0	13.9	84
2022	395	29.0	13.6	84.3
2023	398	26.7	14.8	85.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Watkins Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	454	23.0	19.7	65.9
1989	462	27.0	17.1	66.7
1990	474	26.0	18.2	70.5
1991	502	26.0	19.3	69.3
1992	516	28.0	18.4	29.7
1993	461	29.0	15.9	61.2
1994	558	29.0	19.2	67
1995	747	35.0	21.3	79.1
1996	747	35.0	21.3	79.1
1997	825	44.0	18.8	58.3
1998	887	47.0	18.9	67.1
1999	975	51.0	19.1	69.6
2000	966	52.0	18.6	69.7
2001	965	55.0	17.5	65.2
2002	886	55.0	16.1	80.2
2003	886	55.0	16.1	80.2
2004	942	58.0	16.2	84.8
2005	891	66.0	13.5	78.5
2006	809	63.0	12.8	81.7
2007	753	58.0	13.0	79.6
2008	746	57.0	13.1	88.7
2009	762	71.6	12.9	88.2
2010	754	55.0	13.7	93.5
2011	761	55.3	13.7	92
2012	770	48.8	15.7	91.7
2013	723	50.0	14.4	90.9
2014	720	50.0	14.4	92.8
2015	706	50.0	14.1	95.5
2016	673	45.0	14.9	94.8
2017	606	45.0	13.4	95
2018	563	40.0	14.0	87.2
2019	540	33.0	16.3	91.3
2020	503	31.0	16.2	91.1
2021	432	31.0	13.9	84
2022	395	29.0	13.6	84.3
2023	398	26.7	14.8	85.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Watkins Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$1,513 (14.6%)	$8,831 (85.4%)	$10,344
2019	$1,745 (16.2%)	$9,042 (83.8%)	$10,787
2020	$1,334 (12.6%)	$9,243 (87.4%)	$10,577
2021	$1,884 (14.1%)	$11,499 (85.9%)	$13,383
2022	$3,955 (25.9%)	$11,320 (74.1%)	$15,275
2023	$3,032 (18.7%)	$13,163 (81.3%)	$16,196

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Watkins Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 1365^th of 2182 Elementary schools	Ranks 1953^rd of 2240 Elementary schools	24.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Watkins Elementary School)	45	41	4%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Broward)	60	54	6%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	53	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Watkins Elementary School)	53	45	8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Broward)	65	58	7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)	62	58	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Watkins Elementary School)	59	41	18%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Broward)	62	58	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	57	1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Watkins Elementary School)	55	46	9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Broward)	67	61	6%
4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	64	61	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Watkins Elementary School)	45	49	4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Broward)	59	58	1%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	55	1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Watkins Elementary School)	64	43	21%
5th Grade Mathematics (Broward)	64	53	11%
5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	60	52	8%
5th Grade Science (Watkins Elementary School)	34	33	1%
5th Grade Science (Broward)	49	46	3%
5th Grade Science (Florida)	53	51	2%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	540	398	26.3%
African American	387	276	28.7%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	6	3	50%
Hispanic	128	103	19.5%
Pacific Islander	1	1
White	11	13	18.2%
Two or More Races	7	2	71.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	91.3%	85.9%	5.4%

Schools Near Watkins Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)						FAST Math (2024)						Statewide Science Science (2024)		EOC Algebra 1 (2024)	EOC Geometry (2024)	EOC Biology 1 (2024)	EOC Civics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Watkins Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	3520 SW 52nd Ave	Pembroke Park	33023	Broward County	Broward	No	Yes	No	Yes	(754) 323-7800	398	27	14.8	85.9%	13 (3.3%)	276 (69.3%)	103 (25.9%)	3 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	2 (0.5%)	19.7	1908^th of 2256 public elementary schools	15.4%		18.4	1953^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	12.8%	45	28.0	28.0	40.0				41.0	36.0	53.0				37.0						$16,196	$3,032	$13,163
Lake Forest Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3550 SW 48th Ave	Pembroke Park	33023	Broward County	Broward	No	No	No	Yes	(754) 323-6350	562	35	16.0	82.4%	16 (2.8%)	371 (66.0%)	165 (29.4%)	6 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (0.7%)	41.1	1312^th of 2256 public elementary schools	41.8%		39.3	1352^nd of 2240 public elementary schools	39.6%	40	39.0	31.0	53.0				61.0	52.0	59.0				49.0						$14,149	$3,174	$10,976
Somerset Academy East Preparatory	Public, Charter	K-6	2000 S State Road 7	Miramar	33023	Broward County	Broward	Yes	No	No	Yes	(954) 987-7890	201	13	15.4	89.1%	0 (0.0%)	142 (70.6%)	55 (27.4%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.5%)	71.9	596^th of 2256 public elementary schools	73.6%		52.9	1020^th of 2240 public elementary schools	54.5%	424	58.0	73.0	68.0				68.0	97.0	66.0				46.0						$10,949	$1,086	$9,862
Championship Academy Of Distinction At Hollywood	Public, Charter	K-5	1100 Hillcrest Dr	Hollywood	33021	Broward County	Broward	Yes	No	No	Yes	(954) 924-8006	327	17	19.2	77.7%	30 (9.2%)	112 (34.3%)	179 (54.7%)	3 (0.9%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.6%)	9.9	2153^rd of 2256 public elementary schools	4.6%		14.2	2049^th of 2240 public elementary schools	8.5%	104	28.0	29.0	33.0				31.0	35.0	34.0				15.0						$7,778	$803	$6,975
Madie Ives K-8 Preparatory Academy	Public	PK, KG-8	20770 NE 14th Ave	North Miami Beach	33179	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 651-3155	1,042	55	18.9	64.3%	28 (2.7%)	764 (73.3%)	234 (22.5%)	6 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	9 (0.9%)	46.7	1181^st of 2256 public elementary schools	47.7%		57.8	894^th of 2240 public elementary schools	60.1%	287	52.0	58.0	57.0	66.0	55.0	58.0	44.0	36.0	57.0	59.0	38.0	73.0	41.0	17.0	94.0	100.0	88.0	73.0	$12,559	$2,918	$9,641
Orange Brook Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	715 S 46th Ave	Hollywood	33021	Broward County	Broward	No	No	No	Yes	(754) 323-6750	679	37	18.3	80.0%	37 (5.4%)	373 (54.9%)	244 (35.9%)	10 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	14 (2.1%)	26	1738^th of 2256 public elementary schools	23.0%		21.2	1866^th of 2240 public elementary schools	16.7%	128	34.0	37.0	45.0				43.0	45.0	58.0				28.0						$13,410	$3,179	$10,231
Annabel C. Perry Pk-8	Public	PK, KG-8	6850 SW 34th St	Miramar	33023	Broward County	Broward	No	No	No	Yes	(754) 323-7050	623	39	15.9	82.7%	22 (3.5%)	494 (79.3%)	88 (14.1%)	3 (0.5%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (2.2%)	30.6	1604^th of 2256 public elementary schools	28.9%		22.3	1820^th of 2240 public elementary schools	18.8%	216	39.0	46.0	48.0	48.0	47.0	58.0	54.0	52.0	33.0	48.0	64.0	67.0	26.0	17.0	79.0		100.0	56.0	$13,778	$2,882	$10,896
Miramar Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6831 SW 26th St	Miramar	33023	Broward County	Broward	No	No	No	Yes	(754) 323-6550	445	26	17.4	82.9%	9 (2.0%)	304 (68.3%)	117 (26.3%)	5 (1.1%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (1.8%)	52	1045^th of 2256 public elementary schools	53.7%		46	1189^th of 2240 public elementary schools	46.9%	144	45.0	55.0	53.0				53.0	69.0	73.0				41.0						$14,529	$2,899	$11,629
Gulfstream Academy Of Hallandale Beach	Public	PK, KG-8	1000 S W 3rd St	Hallandale Beach	33009	Broward County	Broward	No	No	No	Yes	(754) 323-5950	1,317	82	16.0	73.0%	136 (10.3%)	455 (34.5%)	685 (52.0%)	12 (0.9%)	3 (0.2%)	2 (0.2%)	24 (1.8%)	23.8	1806^th of 2256 public elementary schools	19.9%		23.4	1788^th of 2240 public elementary schools	20.2%	18	41.0	37.0	39.0	48.0	46.0	38.0	49.0	49.0	41.0	24.0	25.0	29.0	27.0	17.0	58.0		96.0	55.0	$11,843	$2,598	$9,244
Hibiscus Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	18701 NW 1st Ave	Miami	33169	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 652-3018	403	24	16.7	73.9%	4 (1.0%)	352 (87.3%)	41 (10.2%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.7%)	40.4	1336^th of 2256 public elementary schools	40.8%		32.4	1544^th of 2240 public elementary schools	31.1%	208	54.0	44.0	55.0				60.0	40.0	45.0				45.0						$13,592	$2,870	$10,722

Frequently Asked Questions about Watkins Elementary School

Is Watkins Elementary School a good school?

Watkins Elementary School ranks in the bottom 15.4% of Florida elementary schools.

What is the racial makeup of Watkins Elementary School?

Students at Watkins Elementary School are 69% African American, 26% Hispanic, 3% White.

How many students attend Watkins Elementary School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 398 students attended Watkins Elementary School.

What district is Watkins Elementary School in?

Broward

What schools do graduates of Watkins Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Watkins Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : McNicol Middle School
High : Hallandale High School

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.