Serving 614 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, James Tillman Elementary Magnet School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is lower 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 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 614 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 65% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James Tillman Elementary Magnet School serves the northwest part of Palmetto, FL, covering an area of approximately 22.5 square miles. Most families are within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being about 9.4 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School's student population of 614 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
614 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Tillman Elementary Magnet School is 0.69, 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
#1537 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
2%
3%
Showing 2009–2025. View full 24-year historical data
Hispanic
45%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
28%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
19%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26.7%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
Showing 2013–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Tillman Elementary Magnet School's ranking?
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School is ranked #1537 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are James Tillman Elementary Magnet School often compared to?
James Tillman Elementary Magnet Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Virgil Mills Elementary School, Blackburn Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend James Tillman Elementary Magnet School?
614 students attend James Tillman Elementary Magnet School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of James Tillman Elementary Magnet School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 19% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Tillman Elementary Magnet School?
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does James Tillman Elementary Magnet School offer ?
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Tillman Elementary Magnet School part of?
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School is part of Manatee School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school has an amazing engineering teacher that teaches during "special" times. The art and music teacher work together to make things exciting here also.
Review James Tillman Elementary Magnet School. 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
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