Gocio Elementary School

Q: Is Gocio Elementary School a good school?

Gocio Elementary School ranks 1451 st of 2256 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Gocio Elementary School is a public elementary school in Sarasota, Florida, serving 644 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Sarasota School District, which is ranked 8th out of 68 districts in Florida and has a 4-star rating.

Gocio Elementary stands out for its high percentage of Hispanic students (50.47%), significantly higher than the surrounding schools, which range from 22.86% to 59.7% Hispanic. The school also faces challenges, including high chronic absenteeism rates (7.8% to 35.3%) and consistently underperforming the district and state averages in English Language Arts, Math, and Science proficiency. For example, in 2023-2024, Gocio's 5th-grade science proficiency rate was 44%, compared to the Sarasota district's 67% and the state's 53%. Additionally, Gocio has a very high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 82.59% to 85.87%, significantly higher than the surrounding schools.

While Gocio Elementary spends the most per student among the nearby schools, ranging from $13,818 to $16,287 per student, the data suggests that the school may be facing significant challenges in providing effective instruction and support for its predominantly low-income, Hispanic student population. Nearby schools, such as Alta Vista Elementary School and Fruitville Elementary School, show varying levels of performance, with some schools outperforming Gocio Elementary, while others also struggle with low test scores and high chronic absenteeism.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

3450 Gocio Rd
Sarasota, FL 34235

(941) 361-6405

District: Sarasota

SchoolDigger Rank:
1451^st of 2,256 Florida Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $16,287

Students who attend Gocio Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Booker Middle School
High:	Booker High School

Student/teacher ratio: 12.7

Number of students: 636

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

53.8%

White:

23.6%

African American:

17.8%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 85.8%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare Gocio Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Gocio Elementary School ranks worse than 64.3% of elementary schools in Florida. It also ranks 24^th among 30 ranked elementary schools in the Sarasota School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 36.3. (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 Student population at Gocio Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (53.8%), White (23.6%), African American (17.8%). (See more...)

Compare Details 85.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Gocio Elementary School is 12.7, which is the 11^th best among 30 elementary schools in the Sarasota School District. (See more...)

Compare Gocio Elementary School employs 50 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Gocio Elementary School is $16,287, which is the 5^th highest among 30 elementary schools in the Sarasota School District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

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

Sarasota:

SchoolDigger ranks Sarasota 8^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Gocio Elementary School.

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Rank History for Gocio Elementary School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	FL State Percentile
2006	34.24	1153^rd	1688	31.7%
2007	45.62	1031^st	1786	42.3%
2008	57.43	796^th	1789	55.5%
2009	61.41	747^th	1847	59.6%
2010	47.17	1097^th	1919	42.8%
2011	46.72	1127^th	1985	43.2%
2012	42.36	1167^th	1984	41.2%
2013	24.59	1624^th	2029	20.0%
2014	31.19	1489^th	2064	27.9%
2016	26.98	1579^th	2087	24.3%
2017	34.36	1385^th	2112	34.4%
2018	32.66	1458^th	2118	31.2%
2019	45.53	1188^th	2182	45.6%
2021	34.67	1451^st	2247	35.4%
2022	30.70	1558^th	2219	29.8%
2023	31.34	1570^th	2240	29.9%
2024	36.30	1451^st	2256	35.7%

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 teacher
Tuesday, February 1, 2022

I have worked at Gocio Elementary School for 5 years. This school is the best family school meaning everyone treats each other with respect and trust. Close Quote

by a teacher
Thursday, September 15, 2011

I love working at this school. The students are bright and appreciative, the staff is loving and professional, and the arts program is phenomenal! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Gocio Elementary School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	485	112	7	5	0	n/a	n/a	0	609
1989	513	109	3	13	1	n/a	n/a	0	639
1990	671	138	8	16	1	n/a	n/a	0	834
1991	570	147	2	15	0	n/a	n/a	0	734
1992	583	149	3	11	1	n/a	n/a	0	747
1993	562	169	2	11	0	n/a	n/a	0	744
1994	577	174	2	14	0	n/a	n/a	0	767
1995	476	238	5	22	1	n/a	n/a	0	742
1996	476	238	5	22	1	n/a	n/a	0	742
1997	512	255	6	32	0	n/a	n/a	0	805
1998	493	222	7	69	0	n/a	n/a	0	791
1999	535	261	9	82	2	n/a	n/a	0	889
2000	497	228	9	94	2	n/a	n/a	0	830
2001	514	234	9	129	5	n/a	n/a	0	891
2002	511	253	19	172	4	n/a	n/a	0	959
2003	511	253	19	172	4	n/a	n/a	0	959
2004	469	238	16	190	1	n/a	n/a	0	914
2005	429	233	9	203	0	n/a	n/a	0	874
2006	415	276	10	226	1	n/a	n/a	0	928
2007	318	242	8	256	2	n/a	n/a	74	900
2008	285	192	7	258	3	n/a	n/a	65	810
2009	258	152	7	251	2	n/a	n/a	64	734
2010	241	161	5	288	3	n/a	n/a	57	755
2011	206	165	3	339	1	1	34	0	749
2012	208	187	4	351	1	0	29	0	780
2013	199	154	5	372	1	0	30	0	761
2014	172	141	7	343	0	0	35	0	698
2015	155	128	7	344	0	0	34	0	668
2016	150	118	8	330	2	0	29	0	637
2017	129	123	5	355	1	0	33	0	646
2018	136	114	4	354	1	0	34	0	643
2019	145	110	5	329	1	0	34	0	624
2020	135	120	8	330	1	0	32	0	626
2021	112	113	5	312	2	0	36	0	580
2022	128	124	5	326	0	1	32	0	616
2023	146	130	5	325	2	1	35	0	644
2024	150	113	7	342	0	0	24	0	636

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 Gocio Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	609	37.0	16.4	42.9
1989	639	40.0	15.9	36.6
1990	834	47.0	17.7	35.7
1991	734	45.0	16.3	41.8
1992	747	43.0	17.3	17
1993	744	42.0	17.7	36.4
1994	767	43.0	17.8	32.7
1995	742	44.0	16.9	47.8
1996	742	44.0	16.9	47.8
1997	805	45.0	17.9	48.1
1998	791	47.0	16.8	50.7
1999	889	46.0	19.3	60.2
2000	830	52.0	16.0	59
2001	891	48.0	18.6	61.1
2002	959	59.0	16.3	66.3
2003	959	59.0	16.3	66.3
2004	914	65.0	14.1	68.3
2005	874	67.0	13.0	74.7
2006	928	69.0	13.4	61.9
2007	900	63.0	14.3	75.3
2008	810	62.0	13.1	73.4
2009	734	53.1	13.8	80.4
2010	755	56.5	13.3	85.5
2011	749	53.0	14.1	83.4
2012	780	53.6	14.5	85.6
2013	761	57.0	13.3	87.5
2014	698	54.0	12.9	68.5
2015	668	50.0	13.3	82.5
2016	637	47.0	13.5	87.9
2017	646	50.0	12.9	85.3
2018	643	55.0	11.6	89.7
2019	624	47.6	13.1	85.9
2020	626	51.0	12.2	85.3
2021	580	48.0	12.0	82.6
2022	616	49.6	12.4	82.8
2023	644	51.0	12.6	85.9
2024	636	50.0	12.7	85.8

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 Gocio Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	609	37.0	16.4	42.9
1989	639	40.0	15.9	36.6
1990	834	47.0	17.7	35.7
1991	734	45.0	16.3	41.8
1992	747	43.0	17.3	17
1993	744	42.0	17.7	36.4
1994	767	43.0	17.8	32.7
1995	742	44.0	16.9	47.8
1996	742	44.0	16.9	47.8
1997	805	45.0	17.9	48.1
1998	791	47.0	16.8	50.7
1999	889	46.0	19.3	60.2
2000	830	52.0	16.0	59
2001	891	48.0	18.6	61.1
2002	959	59.0	16.3	66.3
2003	959	59.0	16.3	66.3
2004	914	65.0	14.1	68.3
2005	874	67.0	13.0	74.7
2006	928	69.0	13.4	61.9
2007	900	63.0	14.3	75.3
2008	810	62.0	13.1	73.4
2009	734	53.1	13.8	80.4
2010	755	56.5	13.3	85.5
2011	749	53.0	14.1	83.4
2012	780	53.6	14.5	85.6
2013	761	57.0	13.3	87.5
2014	698	54.0	12.9	68.5
2015	668	50.0	13.3	82.5
2016	637	47.0	13.5	87.9
2017	646	50.0	12.9	85.3
2018	643	55.0	11.6	89.7
2019	624	47.6	13.1	85.9
2020	626	51.0	12.2	85.3
2021	580	48.0	12.0	82.6
2022	616	49.6	12.4	82.8
2023	644	51.0	12.6	85.9
2024	636	50.0	12.7	85.8

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 Gocio Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$1,392 (11.9%)	$10,269 (88.1%)	$11,661
2019	$1,547 (12.7%)	$10,647 (87.3%)	$12,195
2020	$1,465 (11.5%)	$11,322 (88.5%)	$12,787
2021	$1,791 (13.0%)	$12,027 (87.0%)	$13,818
2022	$2,546 (17.4%)	$12,056 (82.6%)	$14,602
2023	$2,728 (16.7%)	$13,560 (83.3%)	$16,287

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Gocio 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 1188^th of 2182 Elementary schools	Ranks 1570^th of 2240 Elementary schools	15.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Gocio Elementary School)	43	34	9%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Sarasota)	70	63	7%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	53	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Gocio Elementary School)	53	46	7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Sarasota)	73	68	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)	62	58	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Gocio Elementary School)	54	45	9%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Sarasota)	67	69	2%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	57	1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Gocio Elementary School)	68	45	23%
4th Grade Mathematics (Sarasota)	72	72
4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	64	61	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Gocio Elementary School)	60	45	15%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Sarasota)	68	64	4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	55	1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Gocio Elementary School)	61	40	21%
5th Grade Mathematics (Sarasota)	70	60	10%
5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	60	52	8%
5th Grade Science (Gocio Elementary School)	44	39	5%
5th Grade Science (Sarasota)	65	67	2%
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	624	644	3.2%
African American	110	130	18.2%
American Indian	1	2	100%
Asian	5	5
Hispanic	329	325	1.2%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	145	146	0.7%
Two or More Races	34	35	2.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	85.9%	85.9%	0%

Schools Near Gocio 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 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 Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Gocio Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3450 Gocio Rd	Sarasota	34235	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	Yes	(941) 361-6405	636	50	12.7	85.8%	150 (23.6%)	113 (17.8%)	342 (53.8%)	7 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	24 (3.8%)	36.3	1451^st of 2256 public elementary schools	35.7%		31.3	1570^th of 2240 public elementary schools	29.9%	119	51.0	35.0	32.0				60.0	55.0	51.0				44.0			$16,287	$2,728	$13,560
Emma E. Booker Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2350 Dr Martin Luther King Way	Sarasota	34234	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	Yes	(941) 361-6480	435	39	11.1	93.8%	57 (13.1%)	223 (51.3%)	107 (24.6%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	47 (10.8%)	37.7	1411^th of 2256 public elementary schools	37.5%		26.1	1713^th of 2240 public elementary schools	23.5%	302	51.0	33.0	51.0				59.0	43.0	38.0				56.0			$20,515	$4,143	$16,373
Tuttle Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2863 8th St	Sarasota	34237	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	Yes	(941) 361-6433	690	52	13.2	82.6%	155 (22.5%)	78 (11.3%)	419 (60.7%)	3 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (4.9%)	26.3	1732^nd of 2256 public elementary schools	23.2%		32.3	1548^th of 2240 public elementary schools	30.9%	184	45.0	39.0	33.0				49.0	48.0	30.0				47.0			$15,529	$2,488	$13,041
The Florida Center For Child And Family Development	Public	PK	4620 17th St	Sarasota	34232	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	No	(941) 371-8820	9	9	1.0	33.3%	8 (88.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (11.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Sarasota Academy Of The Arts	Public, Charter	K-8	4466 Fruitville Rd	Sarasota	34232	Sarasota County	Sarasota	Yes	No	No	No	(941) 377-2278	176	17	10.2	59.1%	94 (53.4%)	6 (3.4%)	56 (31.8%)	4 (2.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (9.1%)	27.9	1684^th of 2256 public elementary schools	25.4%		53.3	1012^th of 2240 public elementary schools	54.8%	672	67.0	30.0	29.0	42.0	71.0	67.0	83.0	20.0	0.0	46.0	79.0	54.0	18.0	48.0	76.0	$10,603	$531	$10,073
Community Haven For Adults And Children With Disabilities	Public	PK	4405 Desoto Rd	Sarasota	34235	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	No	(941) 355-8808	5	5	1.0		5 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Selby Preschool	Public	PK	4405 Desoto Rd	Sarasota	34235	Sarasota County	Manatee	No	No	No	No	(941) 355-8808	6	5	1.2		3 (50.0%)	2 (33.3%)	1 (16.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Children First	Public	PK	1723 N Orange Ave	Sarasota	34234	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	No	(941) 953-3877	30	10	3.0	10.0%	23 (76.7%)	2 (6.7%)	3 (10.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (6.7%)								(n/a)
Dreamers Academy	Public, Charter	K-4	1050 S Tuttle Ave	Sarasota	34237	Sarasota County	Sarasota	Yes	No	No	No	(941) 444-8000	440	30	14.6	69.1%	102 (23.2%)	37 (8.4%)	279 (63.4%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	19 (4.3%)	26.7	1718^th of 2256 public elementary schools	23.8%					(n/a)	42.0	34.0					49.0	48.0								$11,233	$974	$10,259
Alta Vista Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1050 S Euclid Ave	Sarasota	34237	Sarasota County	Sarasota	No	No	No	Yes	(941) 361-6400	473	39	12.1	84.4%	122 (25.8%)	74 (15.6%)	229 (48.4%)	5 (1.1%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	41 (8.7%)	55.3	964^th of 2256 public elementary schools	57.3%		56.8	923^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	58.8%	41	49.0	45.0	64.0				61.0	51.0	63.0				66.0			$18,013	$2,676	$15,337

Frequently Asked Questions about Gocio Elementary School

What district is Gocio Elementary School in?

Sarasota

What is the racial makeup of Gocio Elementary School?

Students at Gocio Elementary School are 54% Hispanic, 24% White, 18% African American, 4% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

What schools do graduates of Gocio Elementary School attend?

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

Middle : Booker Middle School
High : Booker High School

How many students attend Gocio Elementary School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 636 students attended Gocio Elementary School.

Is Gocio Elementary School a good school?

Gocio Elementary School ranks 1451^st of 2256 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

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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.