Average
#1543 of 3,777 schools in FL
Top 41% in state
Explorer K-8
Elementary School · HERNANDO
10252 NORTHCLIFFE BLVD, Spring Hill, FL 34608
Enrollment
1,578
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
1,578
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Spring Hill
#7 of 15
public schools
Florida elementary schools
#1,266 of 2,196
In district
#12 of 27
HERNANDO
School environment
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Explorer K-8
Explorer K-8 serves 1,578 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Spring Hill, a mid-size suburb in Hernando County. With 107 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.7:1, providing relatively small class sizes for individualized attention. Academically, Explorer K-8 has room for growth, with 44% of students performing proficiently or above in English Language Arts and 42% in mathematics.
The school ranks in the 41st percentile among Florida's elementary schools, indicating opportunities for continued improvement in student achievement. The school's focus on serving students across a wide grade span from pre-K through middle school allows for consistent educational progression within one institution. The school draws from a diverse community where the median household income is $58,194 and median home values average $208,000.
With 18% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a poverty rate of 11.6%, the neighborhood reflects a working-class community with varied educational backgrounds. Explorer K-8 is located on Northcliffe Boulevard in Spring Hill, positioned within a growing suburban area that offers families a blend of residential comfort and community amenities in Hernando County.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Explorer K-8 — Students at Explorer K-8 score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
75.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 17 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.8/10.
How Explorer K-8 Compares
See how Explorer K-8 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 49% (2019) to 40% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 47% (2019) to 41% (2021).
Location
10252 NORTHCLIFFE BLVD, Spring Hill, FL 34608
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Explorer K-8 may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. SUNCOAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is GULF COAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, CHALLENGER K-8 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH (rated 7.2/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Spring Hill, see our Spring Hill schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 34608 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,197
Median Home Value
$237,400
Median Rent
$1,207/mo
Population
36,565
College Educated
19.7%
Homeownership
80%
Avg Commute
32 min
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Median Age
42.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Explorer K-8 has a median household income of $62,197. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $237,400, with a median rent of $1,207/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.9%. The average commute for residents is 32 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BELMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sun City Center, FL | 6.8 |
| FREEDOM CROSSING ACADEMY Saint Johns, FL | 6.8 |
| HOLLY HILL SCHOOL Holly Hill, FL | 6.8 |
| LEISURE CITY K-8 CENTER Homestead, FL | 6.8 |
| MARION OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ocala, FL | 6.8 |
| PALM SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Springs, FL | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Explorer K-8
What grades does Explorer K-8 serve?
Explorer K-8 serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Explorer K-8?
Explorer K-8 has an enrollment of approximately 1,578 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Explorer K-8?
The student-teacher ratio at Explorer K-8 is 14.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Explorer K-8 rank in FL?
Explorer K-8 is ranked #1543 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Explorer K-8's MySchoolScout rating?
Explorer K-8 has a composite rating of 6.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Explorer K-8?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Explorer K-8 has 42.6% math proficiency and 44.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Explorer K-8 a charter school?
No, Explorer K-8 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Explorer K-8 a Title I school?
No, Explorer K-8 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Explorer K-8?
75.5% of students at Explorer K-8 qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,578
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 107
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 75.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Hernando County
- Phone
- (352) 797-7094
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
HERNANDO- District Enrollment
- 24,015
- Schools in District
- 32
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,856
- District Rank
- #12 of 27
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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