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Below Average

#2892 of 3,778 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

4.9

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Florida schools

#2,892 of 3,778

In Weeki Wachee

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#27 of 27

HERNANDO

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Winding Waters K-8

4.9/10

Elementary School in Weeki Wachee · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Weeki Wachee High School

5.5/10

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

Endeavor Academy

5.4/10

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

About Winding Waters K-8

Winding Waters K-8 is a public elementary school in Weeki Wachee, FL, part of HERNANDO. Winding Waters K-8 serves approximately 1,638 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 18:1 student-teacher ratio. Winding Waters K-8 has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,892 of 3,778 schools in FL.

Structured state assessment records for Winding Waters K-8 show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024).

How it compares1.5 pts below district
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • FL avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Winding Waters K-8 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.

32% of students at Winding Waters K-8 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 Progress3.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.44 pts/yr
Data Period2011–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.0Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency43.5% (2024 FAST)
Reading/ELA Proficiency49.6% (2024 FAST)
Math vs. State Avg-17 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.6 pts
Overall Proficiency47% (2024 FAST, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)48% (model expectation from 2024 FAST)
vs. Expected-1.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile43th
Resources & Environment5.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,856
Chronic Absenteeism31.8%

Winding Waters K-8 — Students at Winding Waters K-8 score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

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 51.6% (multi-year average, 2011-2024)
School
State
55.3% (2024 FAST)
ELA Proficiency 53.4% (multi-year average, 2011-2024)
School
State
52.9% (2024 FAST)

Based on 36 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2011
Math
59%
ELA
71%
2012
Math
59%
ELA
65%
2013
ELA
66%
2014
Math
56%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
59%
ELA
55%
2016
Math
61%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
59%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
59%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
50%
ELA
48%
2021*
Math
50%
ELA
48%
2022
Math
47.2%
ELA
44.5%
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: 3.8/10.

How Winding Waters K-8 Compares

See how Winding Waters K-8 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
24th percentile in FL
Academic
6.0/10
Average
Growth
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.8/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
91 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.8%

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

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. CHALLENGER K-8 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH (rated 8.4/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Spring Hill), which scores notably higher. Another option is GULF COAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 7.9 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 5.5
ENDEAVOR ACADEMY Brooksville 4.2 mi 5.4
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Brooksville 4.2 mi 5.0
WEST HERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL Brooksville 4.6 mi 6.3
PINE GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Brooksville 4.7 mi 5.4
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 5.5
SPRING HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spring Hill 6.4 mi 6.2
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 5.6
GULF COAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spring Hill 7.9 mi 8.1
WIDER HORIZONS SCHOOL Spring Hill 8.0 mi 6.2
CHALLENGER K-8 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH Spring Hill 8.0 mi 8.4
FRANK W. SPRINGSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL Spring Hill 8.4 mi 6.5
SPRING HILL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spring Hill 8.7 mi 6.2
POWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL Brooksville 8.7 mi 5.7
JOHN D. FLOYD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spring Hill 8.9 mi 5.7
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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CENTRAL CHARTER SCHOOL Lauderdale Lakes, FL 4.9
HORACE O'BRYANT SCHOOL Key West, FL 4.8
HORIZONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Davenport, FL 5.1
LOUGHMAN OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Davenport, FL 5.2
BONITA SPRINGS CHARTER SCHOOL Bonita Springs, FL 4.6
OSCEOLA SCIENCE CHARTER SCHOOL Kissimmee, FL 4.6

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 ranks #2,892 of 3,778 schools in FL.

What is Winding Waters K-8's MySchoolScout rating?

Winding Waters K-8 has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Winding Waters K-8?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Winding Waters K-8 has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024).

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

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.8%

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