Skip to main content

Below Average

#3171 of 3,778 schools in FL

Gulf Highlands Elementary School

Elementary School · PASCO

8019 GULF HIGHLANDS DR, Port Richey, FL 34668

Enrollment

742

Student-Teacher

16.1:1

Score

4.5

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Florida schools

#3,171 of 3,778

In Port Richey

#3 of 5

public schools

In district

#77 of 97

PASCO

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Gulf Highlands Elementary School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Gulf Highlands Elementary School

4.5/10

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

Bayonet Point Middle School

3.7/10

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

Schrader Elementary School

4.9/10

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

About Gulf Highlands Elementary School

Gulf Highlands Elementary School is a public elementary school in Port Richey, FL, part of PASCO. Gulf Highlands Elementary School serves approximately 742 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 16.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Gulf Highlands Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #3,171 of 3,778 schools in FL.

Structured state assessment records for Gulf Highlands Elementary School show 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.6 pts below district
  • This school 4.5 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.1
  • FL avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

45% of students at Gulf Highlands 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 Progress5.2Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.11 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.0Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency21.7% (2024 FAST)
Reading/ELA Proficiency27.3% (2024 FAST)
Math vs. State Avg-38.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-27.9 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2024 FAST, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2024 FAST)
vs. Expected-13.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile12th
Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,009
Chronic Absenteeism44.6%

Gulf Highlands Elementary School — Students at Gulf Highlands Elementary School score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

82.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 32.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
58.1% (2024 FAST)
ELA Proficiency 39.5% (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
43%
ELA
60%
2010
Math
31%
ELA
52%
2011
Math
32%
ELA
44%
2012
Math
35%
ELA
45%
2013
ELA
49%
2014
Math
33%
ELA
33%
2015
Math
29%
ELA
36%
2016
Math
41%
ELA
41%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
48%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
45%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
45%
2020*
Math
29%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
29%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
20%
ELA
26.9%
2024
Math
21.7%
ELA
27.3%

* 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: 5.2/10.

How Gulf Highlands Elementary School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.5/10
16th percentile in FL
Academic
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.2/10
Average
Environment
5.2/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
83%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
46 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
44.6%

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

8019 GULF HIGHLANDS DR, Port Richey, FL 34668

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gulf Highlands Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. DAYSPRING JAZZ (rated 8.1/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is BISHOP LARKIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LEARNING LODGE ACADEMY (rated 6.5/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby New Port Richey), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Port Richey, see our Port Richey schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.7 mi
School Distance Rating
BAYONET POINT MIDDLE SCHOOL New Port Richey 0.9 mi 3.7
SCHRADER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL New Port Richey 1.0 mi 4.9
BEACON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY New Port Richey 1.1 mi
DAYSPRING JAZZ Port Richey 1.4 mi 8.1
LEARNING LODGE ACADEMY New Port Richey 1.4 mi 6.5
FOX HOLLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Port Richey 1.6 mi 2.9
FIVAY HIGH SCHOOL Hudson 1.5 mi 3.8
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS OF PASCO Hudson 1.6 mi 6.7
BISHOP LARKIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Port Richey 2.0 mi 6.6
DAYSPRING ACADEMY New Port Richey 2.1 mi 8.4
WEST PASCO EDUCATION ACADEMY Hudson 2.9 mi 5.8
ESTHERS SCHOOL Hudson 2.9 mi 6.9
CHASCO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Port Richey 3.2 mi 4.0
CHASCO MIDDLE SCHOOL Port Richey 3.2 mi 4.6
BAYCARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH New Port Richey 3.5 mi
CALUSA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL New Port Richey 3.7 mi 3.8
WENDELL KRINN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL New Port Richey 3.8 mi 6.6
MARCHMAN TECHNICAL COLLEGE New Port Richey 3.8 mi
HUDSON PRIMARY ACADEMY Hudson 3.6 mi 5.1
HUDSON HIGH SCHOOL Hudson 3.7 mi 5.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 34668 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$45,760

Median Home Value

$168,800

Median Rent

$1,278/mo

Population

48,025

College Educated

12.7%

Homeownership

63.5%

Avg Commute

28.4 min

Poverty Rate

17.7%

Median Age

42.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
COLSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Seffner, FL 4.5
DISCOVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Deltona, FL 4.5
DR. ROLANDO ESPINOSA K-8 CENTER Doral, FL 4.5
FRANKLIN ACADEMY F Pembroke Pines, FL 4.5
KOA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kissimmee, FL 4.5
LEESBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Leesburg, FL 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gulf Highlands Elementary School

What grades does Gulf Highlands Elementary School serve?

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

How many students attend Gulf Highlands Elementary School?

Gulf Highlands Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 742 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gulf Highlands Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Gulf Highlands Elementary School is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gulf Highlands Elementary School rank in FL?

Gulf Highlands Elementary School ranks #3,171 of 3,778 schools in FL.

What is Gulf Highlands Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Gulf Highlands Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Gulf Highlands Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gulf Highlands Elementary School has 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Gulf Highlands Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Gulf Highlands Elementary School a Title I school?

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

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

82.7% of students at Gulf Highlands 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
18 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
742
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
46
Free/Reduced Lunch
82.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Pasco County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
44.6%

District

PASCO
District Enrollment
85,855
Schools in District
106
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,009
District Rank
#77 of 97

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.