Average
#2543 of 3,777 schools in FL
Winding Waters K-8
Elementary School · HERNANDO
12240 VESPA WAY, Weeki Wachee, FL 34614
Enrollment
1,638
Student-Teacher
18:1
Score
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
1,638
Student-Teacher
18:1
Score
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Weeki Wachee
#2 of 2
public schools
Florida elementary schools
#1,787 of 2,196
In district
#22 of 27
HERNANDO
About Winding Waters K-8
Winding Waters K-8 serves 1,638 students from prekindergarten through eighth grade in Weeki Wachee, Florida. This large elementary school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 with 91 full-time equivalent teachers providing instruction across all grade levels. Academically, the school has room for growth, with 50% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and reading, while 44% meet proficiency standards in mathematics.
The school ranks in the 38th percentile among Florida elementary schools, indicating opportunities for continued academic development and student support. The school draws families from a stable community where the median household income reaches $84,875 and the poverty rate remains low at 5.9%. Local families have invested in the area, with median home values around $246,700, though 22% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, suggesting a mix of educational backgrounds in the community.
With nearly 1,700 students, Winding Waters K-8 represents one of the larger elementary programs in Hernando County, offering the potential for diverse programming and resources while serving students across a wide age range from early childhood through middle school years. The school sits in a rural setting near the town of Weeki Wachee, providing students with a quieter, more natural learning environment away from urban centers.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Winding Waters K-8 may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Winding Waters K-8 — Students at Winding Waters K-8 score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
57.1%
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
↓ 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: 5.2/10.
How Winding Waters K-8 Compares
See how Winding Waters K-8 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 59% (2019) to 50% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 48% (2021).
Location
12240 VESPA WAY, Weeki Wachee, FL 34614
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Winding Waters K-8 may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. GULF COAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Spring Hill), which scores notably higher. Another option is CHALLENGER K-8 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH (rated 7.2/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Spring Hill), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LIFE PRIMARY SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Spring Hill), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Weeki Wachee, see our Weeki Wachee schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.9 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 34614 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$79,560
Median Home Value
$272,100
Median Rent
$1,194/mo
Population
9,561
College Educated
19.6%
Homeownership
96%
Avg Commute
31 min
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Median Age
43.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Winding Waters K-8 has a median household income of $79,560. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $272,100, with a median rent of $1,194/month. The local poverty rate of 7.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 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 |
|---|---|
| COCONUT PALM K-8 ACADEMY Homestead, FL | 5.7 |
| LEHIGH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lehigh Acres, FL | 5.7 |
| FRANKLIN ACADEMY - BOYNTON BEACH Boynton Beach, FL | 5.8 |
| IMAGINE SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR CAMPUS Boynton Beach, FL | 5.8 |
| LORETTO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 5.8 |
| MANATEE ACADEMY K-8 Port St. Lucie, FL | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Winding Waters K-8
What grades does Winding Waters K-8 serve?
Winding Waters K-8 serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Winding Waters K-8?
Winding Waters K-8 has an enrollment of approximately 1,638 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Winding Waters K-8?
The student-teacher ratio at Winding Waters K-8 is 18:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Winding Waters K-8 rank in FL?
Winding Waters K-8 is ranked #2543 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Winding Waters K-8's MySchoolScout rating?
Winding Waters K-8 has a composite rating of 5.7 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 Winding Waters K-8?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Winding Waters K-8 has 46.3% math proficiency and 49.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Winding Waters K-8 a charter school?
No, Winding Waters K-8 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Winding Waters K-8 a Title I school?
No, Winding Waters K-8 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Winding Waters K-8?
57.1% of students at Winding Waters 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,638
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 91
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 57.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Hernando County
- Phone
- (352) 797-7092
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
HERNANDO- District Enrollment
- 24,015
- Schools in District
- 32
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,856
- District Rank
- #22 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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