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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

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 metrics
Student Progress5.2Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.75 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.9Above Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50%
Reading/ELA Proficiency48%
Math vs. State Avg-10.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.2 pts
Overall Proficiency49%
Expected (poverty-adj.)46%
vs. Expected+3.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile54th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,962

Winding Waters K-8 — Students at Winding Waters K-8 score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 46.3%
School
State
55.3%
ELA Proficiency 49.7%
School
State
52.9%

Based on 17 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
59%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
50%
ELA
48%
2024
Math
43.5%
ELA
49.6%

* 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.

Overall Score
5.7/10
33th percentile in FL
Academic
6.9/10
6.9/10
Growth
5.2/10
Above average
Environment
5.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
91 teachers

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 mi
School Distance Rating
WEEKI WACHEE HIGH SCHOOL Weeki Wachee 0.2 mi 5.9
ENDEAVOR ACADEMY Brooksville 4.2 mi 5.8
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Brooksville 4.2 mi 4.4
WEST HERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL Brooksville 4.6 mi 7.3
PINE GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Brooksville 4.7 mi 6.8
FOR EACH 1 REACH 1 MENTORING PROGRAM INC. Brooksville 5.5 mi
LIFE PRIMARY SCHOOL Spring Hill 6.2 mi 6.9
FOX CHAPEL MIDDLE SCHOOL Spring Hill 6.5 mi 6.6
SPRING HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spring Hill 6.4 mi 5.9
GRACE EDUCATION ACADEMY LLC Weeki Wachee 7.0 mi 7.8
GOLDEN BRANCH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spring Hill 7.5 mi 6.6
EXPLORER K-8 Spring Hill 7.8 mi 6.8
GULF COAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spring Hill 7.9 mi 7.2
WIDER HORIZONS SCHOOL Spring Hill 8.0 mi 6.2
CHALLENGER K-8 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH Spring Hill 8.0 mi 7.2
FRANK W. SPRINGSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL Spring Hill 8.4 mi 6.1
SPRING HILL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spring Hill 8.7 mi 6.2
POWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL Brooksville 8.7 mi 5.4
JOHN D. FLOYD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spring Hill 8.9 mi 5.9
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS Spring Hill 8.9 mi

Neighborhood 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Elevated (1,263/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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.

Read our full methodology

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