When Florida released its annual A-to-F school report cards last week, the results highlighted significant disparities among schools. While many celebrated an increase in A grades, Brookshire Elementary School in Winter Park found itself under scrutiny after receiving a C, its lowest score since the state began issuing grades in 1999. This drop is particularly striking as the school had earned an A last year.
Brookshire was one of only 19 schools statewide, out of more than 3,400, to receive a C in 2025. The grading system, which has faced criticism for its simplicity, primarily evaluates schools based on standardized test scores in subjects like language arts, math, science, and social studies. Parents often rely on these grades as indicators of school quality, leading to anxiety when scores decline, especially in affluent areas like Winter Park.
This year, fewer students at Brookshire passed state exams compared to 2024. Additionally, the percentage of students demonstrating “learning gains,” a measure of improvement over the previous year, dropped significantly. For language arts, the number of low-performing students showing improvement fell from 71% in 2024 to just 26% in 2025.
Lauren Hoffman, a mother of three, expressed her concerns about the decline in learning gains. She noted that while the teachers at Brookshire are “great,” her middle child, who has learning disabilities, did not receive the necessary support after first grade. Hoffman transferred her child to a private school midway through the year, stating, “I want to see the gain — I need to see that at least she’s learned something.”
Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) declined to provide further commentary regarding the grade but stated via email that administration would focus on identifying areas for improvement, ensuring students are set on a successful path. Despite Brookshire’s struggles, OCPS highlighted that over 200 more schools received A grades compared to the previous year.
The administration has been aware of the challenges regarding learning gains since last year. The school’s improvement plan for 2024-25, released in November, indicated a need for enhanced focus on math learning among low-performing students. The report noted that extra lessons for struggling students were insufficient, partly due to staff changes in the math coaching role.
Located near Cady Way Park, Brookshire Elementary feeds into Glenridge Middle School and Winter Park High School, both of which consistently receive A grades. The school draws from affluent neighborhoods, including the Windsong subdivision, where property values can reach as high as $10 million, according to listings on Realtor.com.
Real estate professionals like Daniel Coombs have observed that even prospective buyers without children consider school grades when purchasing homes. He noted, “I’ve had clients in the past that are empty nesters that don’t even need the schools, but they realize the value of having a good, strong school district for the resale or the exit strategy.”
Todd Schroth, a real estate agent, acknowledged that while one mediocre grade may not significantly impact the school or surrounding neighborhood, it can influence perceptions. A consistent reputation for quality can bolster property values. If Brookshire fails to improve its grade next year, some parents may seek to relocate before their children enroll, potentially affecting enrollment numbers and funding.
As Brookshire Elementary navigates these challenges, the community remains hopeful that the school can rebound. With a focus on targeted interventions and improved support for struggling students, stakeholders are keenly aware of the implications for both academic success and property values in Winter Park.
