Serving 1,467 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 82% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 1,467 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 82% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 81% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math's student population of 1,467 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 86 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,467 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
86 teachers
School Motto
Learn it! Love it! Live it!
School Rankings
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math ranks within the top 5% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#165 out of 3662 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
82%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
21%
37%
Black
3%
21%
White
66%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math's ranking?
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math is ranked #165 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math often compared to?
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Mathis often viewed alongside schools like Chocachatti Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
82% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math?
1,467 students attend Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math?
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math offer ?
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math part of?
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math is part of Hernando School District.
School Calendar
View the Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Labor Day - Schools closed
September 01, 2025 (Monday)
Veterans Day - Schools closed
November 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2025 (Monday)
M.L. King Day - Schools closed
January 19, 2026 (Monday)
Presidents Day - Schools closed
February 16, 2026 (Monday)
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
Challenger is truly a one-of-a-kind school! The teachers and faculty are amazing and the test scores prove it. Being ranked 2nd in the state in 2011 definitely comes as no surprise! The standards are set high but there is plenty of help and support for students who may need it. It's great to see how many parents are involved with their children not only academically but also with school functions and volunteering as well. We are very blessed to have our daughter enrolled in such a wonderful school!
Review Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
