Brookshire Elementary School in Winter Park, Florida, has received a grade of C in the state’s recent A-to-F report card, marking its lowest score since the grading system was established in 1999. This year, only 19 schools across Florida, out of more than 3,400, received a C after previously earning an A in 2024. The decline has raised concerns among parents and community members, particularly in affluent neighborhoods where school performance significantly impacts property values.
Florida’s A-to-F grading system, which is often criticized for its simplicity, is primarily based on standardized test scores in subjects such as language arts, math, science, and social studies. The grades reflect both the percentage of students passing these exams and the percentage of students showing improvement compared to the previous year. At Brookshire, the overall performance declined, with fewer students passing the exams and, crucially, a dramatic drop in “learning gains”—a term that indicates progress among low-performing students.
For instance, the percentage of the lowest-performing students making improvements in language arts plummeted from 71% in 2024 to just 26% this year. Parent Lauren Hoffman, who has three children, expressed her worries about the drop in learning gains, stating that despite having “great” teachers, her middle child faced challenges due to a lack of support services. After experiencing inadequate reading assistance, Hoffman transferred her middle child to a private school mid-year, highlighting her desire for tangible academic progress.
The Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district has not provided specific comments regarding Brookshire’s grade but did issue a statement emphasizing the need to recognize both achievements and areas for improvement. OCPS celebrated the overall increase in A-rated schools this year, with over 200 additional schools earning As compared to 2024. However, Brookshire’s situation stands out as a concern.
According to the school’s 2024-25 improvement plan, administrators had already identified issues related to learning gains, particularly in math among low-performing students. The report indicated that the effectiveness of extra lessons for struggling students had been inadequate, compounded by staff turnover in the “math coach” position. In response, the school plans to implement small group assistance, although details on specific resources remain vague.
Situated across from Cady Way Park, Brookshire Elementary serves as a feeder school to Glenridge Middle School and Winter Park High School, both of which consistently receive A grades. The school’s zoning includes affluent areas like the Windsong subdivision, where home prices can exceed $10 million. This proximity to high-performing schools often influences homebuyers, as many seek to invest in neighborhoods with strong educational reputations.
Real estate broker Daniel Coombs, who has extensive experience in Central Florida, noted that even clients without children consider school grades when purchasing homes, recognizing the long-term value of a strong school district. Similarly, agent Todd Schroth remarked that while one mediocre grade may not drastically affect the neighborhood, sustained underperformance could prompt families to relocate before their children enter the school system.
Looking ahead, the potential for Brookshire to improve its grade next year remains uncertain. Should the school maintain its C rating, it could change perceptions among current residents and prospective buyers alike. As Schroth suggested, “Some of the people that are living there are going to want to move before their kids get into that school.” This shifting sentiment could impact enrollment and, subsequently, funding and resources for the school.
The situation at Brookshire Elementary serves as a reminder of the significant role that school performance plays not only in education but also in community dynamics and property values. As the school seeks to address its challenges, the eyes of a concerned community remain focused on the path to improvement.
