Below Average
#3024 of 3,778 schools in FL
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy
Elementary School · MIAMI-DADE
12225 SW 280TH ST, Homestead, FL 33032
Enrollment
747
Student-Teacher
15.9:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
747
Student-Teacher
15.9:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#3,024 of 3,778
In Homestead
#36 of 44
public schools
In district
#438 of 497
MIAMI-DADE
Shortlisting around Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy?
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.
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy
Elementary School in Homestead · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Title I Migrant Education Program
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Chapman Partnership Early Childhood Center South
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy is a public elementary school in Homestead, FL, part of MIAMI-DADE. Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy serves approximately 747 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 15.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #3,024 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy show 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.7 · Below Average
- District avg 7.3
- FL avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
60% of students at Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy — Students at Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
74%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 40 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 5.1/10.
How Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy Compares
See how Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
12225 SW 280TH ST, Homestead, FL 33032
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. SOMERSET ACADEMY SILVER PALMS (rated 9.4/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is SOMERSET ACADEMY SILVER PALMS AT PRINCETON (rated 9.3/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, AIR BASE K-8 CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (rated 9.2/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Homestead, see our Homestead schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33032 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,995
Median Home Value
$374,700
Median Rent
$1,626/mo
Population
62,021
College Educated
24.3%
Homeownership
59.3%
Avg Commute
39.2 min
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Median Age
33.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa, FL | 4.7 |
| BRIDGEPREP ACADEMY Jacksonville, FL | 4.7 |
| CAMBRIDGE ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL Cocoa, FL | 4.7 |
| COCONUT CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Coconut Creek, FL | 4.7 |
| DODGERTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Vero Beach, FL | 4.7 |
| DRIFTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Hollywood, FL | 4.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy
What grades does Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy serve?
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy?
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy has an enrollment of approximately 747 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy is 15.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy rank in FL?
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy ranks #3,024 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy has 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy a charter school?
No, Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy a Title I school?
No, Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy?
74.0% of students at Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy 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 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 747
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 47
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 74.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Miami-Dade County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 59.6%
- Phone
- (305) 257-0377
Resources & Links
District
MIAMI-DADE- District Enrollment
- 335,500
- Schools in District
- 536
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,066
- District Rank
- #438 of 497
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 rateRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in Florida 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in Jacksonville, Miami & Tampa for Families Exploring School Choicebest schools
- Best Schools in Jacksonville, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Miami, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Orlando, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
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.