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Below Average

#3382 of 3,778 schools in FL

Fessenden Elementary School

Elementary School · MARION

4200 NW 89TH PL, Ocala, FL 34482

Enrollment

431

Student-Teacher

16.6:1

Score

4.1

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Florida schools

#3,382 of 3,778

In Ocala

#28 of 39

public schools

In district

#41 of 58

MARION

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Fessenden Elementary School

4.1/10

Elementary School in Ocala · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Ocala Center for Success and Independence

3.6/10

1.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Destiny Leadership Academy

Nearby

3.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Fessenden Elementary School

Fessenden Elementary School is a public elementary school in Ocala, FL, part of MARION. Fessenden Elementary School serves approximately 431 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 16.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Fessenden Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #3,382 of 3,778 schools in FL.

Structured state assessment records for Fessenden Elementary School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.3
  • FL avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Fessenden Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

43% of students at Fessenden Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.7Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.47 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.8Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32% (2024 FAST)
Reading/ELA Proficiency29.7% (2024 FAST)
Math vs. State Avg-28.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-25.5 pts
Overall Proficiency31% (2024 FAST, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2024 FAST)
vs. Expected-8.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
Resources & Environment5.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,180
Chronic Absenteeism43.2%

Fessenden Elementary School — Students at Fessenden Elementary School score 31% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

78%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 38.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
58.1% (2024 FAST)
ELA Proficiency 36.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
54.2% (2024 FAST)

Based on 33 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
57%
ELA
49%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
57%
2011
Math
50%
ELA
38%
2012
Math
51%
ELA
44%
2013
ELA
41%
2014
Math
33%
ELA
39%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
28%
2016
Math
39%
ELA
43%
2017
Math
31%
ELA
25%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
32%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
32%
2020*
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
38.4%
ELA
36.8%
2024
Math
32%
ELA
29.7%

* 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: 3.7/10.

How Fessenden Elementary School Compares

See how Fessenden Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
11th percentile in FL
Academic
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.7/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
78%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
43.2%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

4200 NW 89TH PL, Ocala, FL 34482

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Fessenden Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. MADISON STREET ACADEMY OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (rated 8.3/10, 6.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is FORDHAM EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY (rated 7.5/10, 4.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, DR N H JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 7.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Ocala, see our Ocala schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.1 mi
School Distance Rating
OCALA CENTER FOR SUCCESS AND INDEPENDENCE Ocala 1.7 mi 3.6
DESTINY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Ocala 3.9 mi
NORTH MARION MIDDLE SCHOOL Citra 4.0 mi 5.0
THE READING CLINIC Ocala 4.4 mi
FORDHAM EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY Ocala 4.6 mi 7.5
THE SONDER ACADEMY Ocala 4.7 mi
NORTH MARION HIGH SCHOOL Citra 5.2 mi 5.4
ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Anthony 5.0 mi 5.5
VANGUARD HIGH SCHOOL Ocala 5.5 mi 4.7
MARION REG. JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER Ocala 5.9 mi 3.6
MCSO ADULTS Ocala 6.0 mi
REDDICK-COLLIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Reddick 6.1 mi 5.2
HOWARD MIDDLE SCHOOL Ocala 6.1 mi 4.4
NEW HORIZON ACADEMY FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS Ocala 6.0 mi
OAKCREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ocala 6.2 mi 3.1
MADISON STREET ACADEMY OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS Ocala 6.7 mi 8.3
DARUL ULOOM OF OCALA FL INC. Ocala 6.9 mi
SHILOH SDA SCHOOL Ocala 7.1 mi 4.8
DR N H JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ocala 7.1 mi 7.1
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS INC. Ocala 7.1 mi 5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 34482 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,449

Median Home Value

$247,600

Median Rent

$861/mo

Population

21,824

College Educated

22%

Homeownership

82.6%

Avg Commute

25 min

Poverty Rate

7.8%

Median Age

52.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
CORAL REEF MONTESSORI ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL Cutler Bay, FL 4.1
DIXIELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland, FL 4.1
HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL 4.1
WITTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa, FL 4.1
BELLVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pensacola, FL 4.0
CENTRAL AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kissimmee, FL 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fessenden Elementary School

What grades does Fessenden Elementary School serve?

Fessenden Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Fessenden Elementary School?

Fessenden Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 431 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Fessenden Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Fessenden Elementary School is 16.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Fessenden Elementary School rank in FL?

Fessenden Elementary School ranks #3,382 of 3,778 schools in FL.

What is Fessenden Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Fessenden Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Fessenden Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Fessenden Elementary School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Fessenden Elementary School a charter school?

No, Fessenden Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Fessenden Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Fessenden Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Fessenden Elementary School?

78.0% of students at Fessenden Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
431
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
26
Free/Reduced Lunch
78.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
43.2%

District

MARION
District Enrollment
45,547
Schools in District
64
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,180
District Rank
#41 of 58

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