Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School

Summary:

Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School is a high-performing public elementary school in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, serving 678 students in grades PK-5. The school consistently outperforms the Manatee district and the state of Florida in academic assessments, ranking among the top 5% of elementary schools statewide.

Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School's academic excellence is evident in its significantly higher proficiency rates compared to the district and state in English Language Arts and Math for grades 3-5. For example, in 5th grade ELA, the school had 83% proficiency, compared to 51% for the district and 55% for the state. The school's consistent academic performance has earned it a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, placing it 106 out of 2,256 Florida elementary schools.

While the school's student population is predominantly White, with 72.57% of students identifying as such, it has relatively low chronic absenteeism rates at 15.6%, lower than the district's 29.0% and the state's 17.1% average. Additionally, Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School has a higher per-student spending of $10,962, which may contribute to its academic success. When compared to nearby schools, such as Braden River Elementary School and B.D. Gullett Elementary School, Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School clearly stands out as a top-performing institution in the Manatee district.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

6325 Lorraine Rd
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

(941) 751-8165

District: Manatee

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

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,962

Students who attend Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	R. Dan Nolan Middle School
High:	Lakewood Ranch High School

Student/teacher ratio: 15.7

Number of students: 678

Racial breakdown:

White:

72.6%

Hispanic:

15.8%

Two or more races:

5.8%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 20.4%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School ranks better than 95.3% of elementary schools in Florida. It also ranks 4^th among 41 ranked elementary schools in the Manatee School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 92.29. (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: White (72.6%), Hispanic (15.8%), two or more races (5.8%). (See more...)

Compare Details 20.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Manatee School District. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School is 15.7. 30 elementary schools in the Manatee School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School employs 43 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School is $10,962. 29 elementary schools in the Manatee School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Manatee:

SchoolDigger ranks Manatee 34^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School.

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Rank History for Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	FL State Percentile
2006	93.46	64^th	1688	96.2%
2007	84.63	224^th	1786	87.5%
2008	81.82	277^th	1789	84.5%
2009	83.83	244^th	1847	86.8%
2010	75.43	420^th	1919	78.1%
2011	72.08	547^th	1985	72.4%
2012	73.37	503^rd	1984	74.6%
2013	79.07	368^th	2029	81.9%
2014	87.07	219^th	2064	89.4%
2016	87.83	199^th	2087	90.5%
2017	85.67	249^th	2112	88.2%
2018	84.04	317^th	2118	85.0%
2019	85.34	279^th	2182	87.2%
2021	93.46	96^th	2247	95.7%
2022	89.82	194^th	2219	91.3%
2023	92.07	113^th	2240	95.0%
2024	92.29	106^th	2256	95.3%

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
Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Warm and inviting atmosphere. It's obvious the staff and teachers really love their jobs and the kids. Very positive atmosphere. Open to kids of all kinds. My son has ADHD and the teachers and principal have been overwhelmingly positive in helping us navigate that diagnosis and support him in his education. The celebrate diversity and original thought. Love this school! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2004	759	20	14	29	2	n/a	n/a	0	824
2005	879	27	23	40	2	n/a	n/a	0	971
2006	668	22	16	37	1	n/a	n/a	0	744
2007	600	14	14	40	0	n/a	n/a	21	689
2008	566	17	20	123	0	n/a	n/a	18	744
2009	488	25	14	134	0	n/a	n/a	13	674
2010	459	23	21	161	3	n/a	n/a	10	677
2011	510	22	26	174	3	0	3	0	738
2012	512	26	23	158	2	0	5	0	726
2013	502	22	29	168	2	2	11	0	736
2014	488	20	32	180	1	2	12	0	735
2015	543	14	30	168	0	1	13	0	769
2016	551	15	28	157	0	2	18	0	771
2017	566	14	24	151	0	2	23	0	780
2018	549	18	25	168	0	2	18	0	780
2019	549	29	22	161	0	2	15	0	778
2020	526	33	21	176	0	2	17	0	775
2021	479	35	18	78	0	2	23	0	635
2022	508	30	17	95	0	1	30	0	681
2023	492	28	11	107	0	1	39	0	678

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 Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2004	824	42.0	19.6	5.1
2005	971	49.0	19.8	6.2
2006	744	40.0	18.6	8.9
2007	689	42.0	16.4	8.1
2008	744	42.0	17.7	18
2009	674	42.1	16.9	21.8
2010	677	41.0	16.5	28.2
2011	738	46.0	16.0	26.3
2012	726	48.0	15.1	24.2
2013	736	48.0	15.3	24.7
2014	735	44.0	16.7	27.5
2015	769	48.0	16.0	25
2016	771	48.0	16.0	22.7
2017	780	49.0	15.9	25.1
2018	780	51.0	15.2	25.6
2019	778	48.0	16.2	25.7
2020	775	48.0	16.1	26.8
2021	635	43.0	14.7	18.7
2022	681	43.0	15.8	16.9
2023	678	43.0	15.7	20.4

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 Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2004	824	42.0	19.6	5.1
2005	971	49.0	19.8	6.2
2006	744	40.0	18.6	8.9
2007	689	42.0	16.4	8.1
2008	744	42.0	17.7	18
2009	674	42.1	16.9	21.8
2010	677	41.0	16.5	28.2
2011	738	46.0	16.0	26.3
2012	726	48.0	15.1	24.2
2013	736	48.0	15.3	24.7
2014	735	44.0	16.7	27.5
2015	769	48.0	16.0	25
2016	771	48.0	16.0	22.7
2017	780	49.0	15.9	25.1
2018	780	51.0	15.2	25.6
2019	778	48.0	16.2	25.7
2020	775	48.0	16.1	26.8
2021	635	43.0	14.7	18.7
2022	681	43.0	15.8	16.9
2023	678	43.0	15.7	20.4

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 Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$265 (3.2%)	$7,938 (96.8%)	$8,203
2019	$369 (4.2%)	$8,426 (95.8%)	$8,795
2020	$366 (4.0%)	$8,829 (96.0%)	$9,195
2021	$626 (6.0%)	$9,723 (94.0%)	$10,349
2022	$1,185 (11.3%)	$9,290 (88.7%)	$10,475
2023	$1,077 (9.8%)	$9,886 (90.2%)	$10,962

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Gilbert W McNeal 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 279^th of 2182 Elementary schools	Ranks 113^th of 2240 Elementary schools	7.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School)	75	79	4%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Manatee)	51	46	5%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	53	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School)	70	77	7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Manatee)	60	59	1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)	62	58	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School)	76	74	2%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Manatee)	56	55	1%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	57	1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School)	84	81	3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Manatee)	65	65
4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	64	61	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School)	82	82
5th Grade English Language Arts (Manatee)	52	57	5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	55	1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School)	79	79
5th Grade Mathematics (Manatee)	60	63	3%
5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	60	52	8%
5th Grade Science (Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School)	71	77	6%
5th Grade Science (Manatee)	48	49	1%
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	778	678	12.9%
African American	29	28	3.4%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	22	11	50%
Hispanic	161	107	33.5%
Pacific Islander	2	1	50%
White	549	492	10.4%
Two or More Races	15	39	160%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	25.7%	20.4%	5.4%

Schools Near Gilbert W McNeal 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 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 Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6325 Lorraine Rd	Lakewood Ranch	34202	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 751-8165	678	43	15.7	20.4%	492 (72.6%)	28 (4.1%)	107 (15.8%)	11 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	39 (5.8%)	92.3	106^th of 2256 public elementary schools	95.3%		92.1	113^th of 2240 public elementary schools	95.0%	7	81.0	70.0	83.0				91.0	71.0	89.0				84.0				$10,962	$1,077	$9,886
Robert Willis Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	14705 The Masters Ave	Lakewood Ranch	34202	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 316-8245	765	46	16.6	22.0%	543 (71.0%)	17 (2.2%)	107 (14.0%)	35 (4.6%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.3%)	60 (7.8%)	92.1	112^th of 2256 public elementary schools	95.0%		94	65^th of 2240 public elementary schools	97.1%	47	79.0	82.0	75.0				82.0	85.0	89.0				71.0				$10,604	$1,011	$9,592
Braden River Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6125 River Club Blvd	Bradenton	34202	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 751-7012	568	40	14.2	40.0%	356 (62.7%)	28 (4.9%)	132 (23.2%)	18 (3.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (5.8%)	81.1	374^th of 2256 public elementary schools	83.4%		80.4	397^th of 2240 public elementary schools	82.3%	23	67.0	62.0	69.0				79.0	71.0	79.0				67.0				$12,743	$1,148	$11,596
B.D. Gullett Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	12125 44th Ave E	Bradenton	34211	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 727-2607	1,121	68	16.4	20.5%	790 (70.5%)	30 (2.7%)	187 (16.7%)	44 (3.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	70 (6.2%)	85.9	287^th of 2256 public elementary schools	87.3%		90.6	158^th of 2240 public elementary schools	92.9%	129	70.0	75.0	69.0				75.0	79.0	76.0				71.0				$9,273	$745	$8,527
Imagine Charter At Lakewood Ranch	Public, Charter	PK, KG-8	10535 Portal Crossing	Bradenton	34211	Manatee County	Manatee	Yes	No	No	No	(941) 750-0900	550	30	18.3	50.4%	342 (62.2%)	36 (6.5%)	150 (27.3%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	19 (3.5%)	31.9	1568^th of 2256 public elementary schools	30.5%		37.5	1398^th of 2240 public elementary schools	37.6%	170	61.0	40.0	34.0	49.0	51.0	59.0	46.0	45.0	35.0	54.0	62.0	34.0	33.0	39.0	83.0	68.0	$9,282	$428	$8,854
Tara Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6950 Linger Lodge Rd E	Bradenton	34203	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 751-7660	559	41	13.6	51.5%	297 (53.1%)	35 (6.3%)	154 (27.5%)	38 (6.8%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	34 (6.1%)	84.8	304^th of 2256 public elementary schools	86.5%		88.4	207^th of 2240 public elementary schools	90.8%	97	75.0	70.0	61.0				89.0	83.0	79.0				61.0				$12,560	$1,147	$11,413
Gene Witt Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	200 Rye Rd E	Bradenton	34212	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 741-3628	689	45	15.3	23.9%	516 (74.9%)	18 (2.6%)	99 (14.4%)	19 (2.8%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	36 (5.2%)	92.6	95^th of 2256 public elementary schools	95.8%		91.9	116^th of 2240 public elementary schools	94.8%	21	87.0	80.0	71.0				91.0	81.0	81.0				76.0				$11,154	$897	$10,257
Freedom Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	9515 E State Road 64	Bradenton	34212	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 708-4990	574	45	12.7	41.5%	352 (61.3%)	22 (3.8%)	123 (21.4%)	25 (4.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	52 (9.1%)	82.2	354^th of 2256 public elementary schools	84.3%		87.3	238^th of 2240 public elementary schools	89.4%	116	59.0	70.0	74.0				73.0	77.0	81.0				72.0				$12,879	$1,220	$11,659
William H. Bashaw Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	3515 57th St E	Bradenton	34208	Manatee County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 741-3307	684	40	17.1	69.3%	255 (37.3%)	128 (18.7%)	240 (35.1%)	10 (1.5%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.3%)	48 (7.0%)	33.7	1523^rd of 2256 public elementary schools	32.5%		31.8	1558^th of 2240 public elementary schools	30.4%	35	41.0	36.0	41.0				47.0	54.0	56.0				48.0				$10,148	$1,368	$8,779
Tatum Ridge Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	4100 Tatum Rd	Sarasota	34240	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	No	(941) 316-8188	834	59	14.2	28.8%	645 (77.3%)	18 (2.2%)	90 (10.8%)	19 (2.3%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	60 (7.2%)	87.5	237^th of 2256 public elementary schools	89.5%		83.6	325^th of 2240 public elementary schools	85.5%	88	78.0	68.0	76.0				77.0	77.0	78.0				73.0				$14,026	$1,220	$12,806

Frequently Asked Questions about Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School

Is Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School a good school?

Yes! Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 106^th of 2256 Florida elementary schools.

What district is Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School in?

Manatee

What schools do graduates of Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : R. Dan Nolan Middle School
High : Lakewood Ranch High School

How many students attend Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 678 students attended Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School.

What is the racial makeup of Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School?

Students at Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School are 73% White, 16% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 4% African American, 2% Asian.

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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.