Serving 630 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Nelson Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 630 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Nelson Elementary School serves the eastern part of Dover, FL, covering an area of approximately 11.7 square miles. Families typically experience a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the farthest edge of the attendance zone located about 4.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Nelson Elementary School's student population of 630 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
630 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Motto
Home of the Eagles!
School Rankings
Nelson Elementary 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 Nelson Elementary School is 0.70, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1488 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
37%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Black
16%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
White
37%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-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 22-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.9%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Eagles
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nelson Elementary School's ranking?
Nelson Elementary School is ranked #1488 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Nelson Elementary School often compared to?
Nelson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lithia Springs Elementary School, Cimino Elementary School, Buckhorn Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Nelson Elementary School?
630 students attend Nelson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Nelson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 37% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nelson Elementary School?
Nelson Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Nelson Elementary School offer ?
Nelson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Nelson Elementary School part of?
Nelson Elementary School is part of Hillsborough School District.
In what neighborhood is Nelson Elementary School located?
Nelson Elementary School is located in the East County Civic Group neighborhood of Dover, FL.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
My daughter is in the 5th grade and she has been going there since October 2013. I really like the school; I believe the teachers and staff work well with the parents and the teachers are very interested in seeing the children succeed. I wish this school went up to Middle school grades
Review Nelson Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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