Serving 1,544 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Explorer K-8 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 41% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 1,544 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 57%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Explorer K-8 serves the southwest part of Spring Hill, FL, covering an area of approximately 6.8 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 1.3 miles to the edge of the attendance zone and a maximum distance of 2.4 miles to its furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Explorer K-8's student population of 1,544 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 95 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,544 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowered to be the BEST you can be!
School Rankings
Explorer K-8 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Explorer K-8 is 0.65, 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
#2547 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
40%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Black
10%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
White
43%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Explorer K-8's ranking?
Explorer K-8 is ranked #2547 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Explorer K-8 often compared to?
Explorer K-8is often viewed alongside schools like Deltona Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Explorer K-8?
1,544 students attend Explorer K-8.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Explorer K-8 students are White, 40% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Explorer K-8?
Explorer K-8 has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Explorer K-8 offer ?
Explorer K-8 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Explorer K-8 part of?
Explorer K-8 is part of Hernando School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I went to Explorer from kindergarten to eighth grade I quite enjoyed the school. It had its ups and downs, just like everything in life does. That school is a family, and I was happy to be a part of that family. Of course, time caught up, and I graduated as a bobcat and moved on to a shark at Nature Coast Technical High School. I one hundred percent recommend enrolling at Explorer. The school is really great for academics my skills have improved so much as well as I started learning everything I know at this school. Overall, a great school a great environment and a great place to grow up.
Review Explorer K-8. 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
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
