Serving 438 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Purcell Elementary School 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 40% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (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 64% 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: 438 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Purcell Elementary School serves the west part of Mulberry, FL, covering an area of approximately 30.9 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 6.4 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Purcell Elementary School's student population of 438 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
438 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Purcell Elementary School 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 Purcell Elementary School is 0.62, 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
#2738 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
49%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
12%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
36%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)53.4%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
11%
7%
Showing 2004–2013. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue
School Mascot
Panthers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Purcell Elementary School's ranking?
Purcell Elementary School is ranked #2738 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Purcell Elementary School often compared to?
Purcell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like James W. Sikes Elementary School, Mulberry Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Purcell Elementary School?
438 students attend Purcell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Purcell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 36% of students are White, 12% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Purcell Elementary School?
Purcell Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Purcell Elementary School offer ?
Purcell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Purcell Elementary School part of?
Purcell Elementary School is part of Polk School District.
School Calendar
View the Purcell Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
FALL BREAK - STUDENT, Teacher and Paraeducator (Paid 11/26 and 11/27)
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
SPRING BREAK WEEK - NO SCHOOL
March 15, 2027 (Monday)
LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS � STUDENT EARLY DISMISSAL
END OF SECOND SEMESTER (94 Days)/Distribute Elementary Report Cards/
Last Work Day for Paraeducators (186-Day Contract)/ Storm Make-Up Day as Needed
May 27, 2027 (Thursday)
School Reviews
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