Explorer K-8

Summary:

Explorer K-8 is a public elementary and middle school located in Spring Hill, Florida, serving 1,617 students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is part of the Hernando District, which is ranked 44 out of 68 districts in Florida and is rated 2 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger.

Compared to nearby schools, Explorer K-8 has a more diverse student population with a higher percentage of Hispanic students (34.51%) and a lower percentage of White students (46.44%). However, the school consistently underperforms the district and state in standardized test scores, with proficiency rates in 3rd grade English Language Arts (40%) and 8th grade English Language Arts (21%) significantly lower than the Hernando District (54% and 33%) and the state of Florida (55% and 51%). Additionally, Explorer K-8 has a concerning chronic absenteeism rate of 34.1%, much higher than the state and district averages.

While Explorer K-8 has a higher spending per student ($10,302 in 2022-2023) compared to the state and district averages, this has not translated into improved academic performance. The school's statewide ranking has steadily declined over the past several years, from 1,261 out of 2,087 Florida elementary schools in 2015-2016 to 1,786 out of 2,256 in 2023-2024, with a consistent 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. In comparison, nearby schools like Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math and Gulf Coast Elementary School have significantly higher test scores and better overall performance.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-8

10252 Northcliffe Blvd
Spring Hill, FL 34608

(352) 797-7094

District: Hernando

SchoolDigger Rank:
1786^th of 2,256 Florida Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,302

Students who attend Explorer K-8 usually attend:

High:

Frank W. Springstead High School

Student/teacher ratio: 14.7

Number of students: 1,578

Racial breakdown:

White:

46.2%

Hispanic:

36.4%

African American:

10.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 75.5%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare Explorer K-8 to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Explorer K-8 ranks worse than 79.2% of elementary schools in Florida. It also ranks last among 14 ranked elementary schools in the Hernando School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 24.21. (See more...)

Compare Details Explorer K-8 ranks worse than 61.5% of middle schools in Florida. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 38.73. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (46.2%), Hispanic (36.4%), African American (10.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 75.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Explorer K-8 is 14.7, which is the 4^th best among 14 elementary schools in the Hernando School District. (See more...)

Compare Explorer K-8 employs 107 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Explorer K-8 is $10,302. 10 elementary schools in the Hernando School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Explorer K-8 was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Explorer K-8 736^th of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See Explorer K-8 in the ranking list.)

Hernando:

SchoolDigger ranks Hernando 44^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Explorer K-8.

What do you think?

Your rating for Explorer K-8?

(Ranking FAQ)

Rank History for Explorer K-8

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	FL State Percentile
2010	49.50	1043^rd	1919	45.6%
2011	33.85	1386^th	1985	30.2%
2012	27.91	1497^th	1984	24.5%
2013	38.97	1256^th	2029	38.1%
2014	34.54	1398^th	2064	32.3%
2016	40.23	1261^st	2087	39.6%
2017	40.65	1267^th	2112	40.0%
2018	37.69	1353^rd	2118	36.1%
2019	34.94	1459^th	2182	33.1%
2021	31.15	1542^nd	2247	31.4%
2022	29.37	1588^th	2219	28.4%
2023	26.09	1712^th	2240	23.6%
2024	24.21	1786^th	2256	20.8%

See the entire list of Florida Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Explorer K-8

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	FL State Percentile
2010	60.20	352^nd	839	58.0%
2011	52.89	458^th	891	48.6%
2012	35.01	601^st	897	33.0%
2013	43.57	562^nd	956	41.2%
2014	35.58	646^th	999	35.3%
2016	50.39	494^th	997	50.5%
2017	44.38	572^nd	1031	44.5%
2018	44.51	582^nd	1035	43.8%
2019	37.95	700^th	1099	36.3%
2021	34.00	755^th	1136	33.5%
2022	31.62	789^th	1148	31.3%
2023	35.76	760^th	1177	35.4%
2024	38.73	736^th	1196	38.5%

See the entire list of Florida Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, October 25, 2019

Most teachers and administration aren't dealing with the children appropriately. They are not nice to children or their parents. If your child gets in some kind of trouble ( or just sent to an office) they have the child in an office with a administrator, they have your child write a statement like they are in a police station. A statement that can be used against them and be prosecuted , without the parents knowledge. At times to intimidate the child they will have a police officer in the office. The parents aren't aware of whats going on with their child. The students aren't given their rights. No child should be left alone with an administrator or policeman to write out a legal statement without their parents present. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Explorer K-8

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2009	1342	103	31	353	5	n/a	n/a	132	1966
2010	1397	116	32	366	7	n/a	n/a	65	1983
2011	1180	121	25	375	5	4	52	0	1762
2012	1148	120	32	393	3	4	61	0	1761
2013	1117	134	27	426	3	4	88	0	1799
2014	1063	139	22	429	2	3	110	0	1768
2015	1011	113	24	430	2	2	102	0	1684
2016	993	116	32	420	5	6	107	0	1679
2017	969	105	26	457	6	6	117	0	1686
2018	938	107	22	474	11	2	106	0	1660
2019	901	139	17	524	12	2	100	0	1695
2020	886	145	20	534	12	1	99	0	1697
2021	758	159	14	493	10	3	87	0	1524
2022	758	169	19	522	8	4	102	0	1582
2023	751	172	19	558	7	3	107	0	1617
2024	729	160	17	574	4	2	92	0	1578

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Explorer K-8

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	1966	147.6	14.9	59.1
2010	1983	137.0	14.4	63.5
2011	1762	116.5	15.1	65.2
2012	1761	116.0	15.1	68.1
2013	1799	116.0	15.5	69.3
2014	1768	114.0	15.5	75.9
2015	1684	112.0	15.0	77
2016	1679	111.0	15.1	80.4
2017	1686	107.0	15.7	80.8
2018	1660	109.0	15.2	71.7
2019	1695	108.0	15.6	64.1
2020	1697	114.0	14.8	64.2
2021	1524	103.0	14.7	67.8
2022	1582	105.0	15.0	70
2023	1617	106.0	15.2	68.8
2024	1578	107.0	14.7	75.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Explorer K-8

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	1966	147.6	14.9	59.1
2010	1983	137.0	14.4	63.5
2011	1762	116.5	15.1	65.2
2012	1761	116.0	15.1	68.1
2013	1799	116.0	15.5	69.3
2014	1768	114.0	15.5	75.9
2015	1684	112.0	15.0	77
2016	1679	111.0	15.1	80.4
2017	1686	107.0	15.7	80.8
2018	1660	109.0	15.2	71.7
2019	1695	108.0	15.6	64.1
2020	1697	114.0	14.8	64.2
2021	1524	103.0	14.7	67.8
2022	1582	105.0	15.0	70
2023	1617	106.0	15.2	68.8
2024	1578	107.0	14.7	75.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Explorer K-8

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$965 (12.8%)	$6,597 (87.2%)	$7,562
2019	$804 (10.7%)	$6,696 (89.3%)	$7,500
2020	$863 (10.6%)	$7,254 (89.4%)	$8,117
2021	$1,203 (13.5%)	$7,730 (86.5%)	$8,934
2022	$1,425 (15.0%)	$8,048 (85.0%)	$9,473
2023	$1,961 (19.0%)	$8,341 (81.0%)	$10,302

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Explorer K-8

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 1459^th of 2182 Elementary schools	Ranks 1712^th of 2240 Elementary schools	9.6%
Ranks 700^th of 1099 Middle schools	Ranks 760^th of 1177 Middle schools	0.9%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Explorer K-8)	54	44	10%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Hernando)	57	54	3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	53	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Explorer K-8)	57	44	13%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Hernando)	62	57	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)	62	58	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Explorer K-8)	57	47	10%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Hernando)	59	56	3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	57	1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Explorer K-8)	54	47	7%
4th Grade Mathematics (Hernando)	62	60	2%
4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	64	61	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Explorer K-8)	37	43	6%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Hernando)	52	49	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	55	1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Explorer K-8)	45	38	7%
5th Grade Mathematics (Hernando)	54	44	10%
5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	60	52	8%
5th Grade Science (Explorer K-8)	48	50	2%
5th Grade Science (Hernando)	55	55
5th Grade Science (Florida)	53	51	2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Explorer K-8)	44	35	9%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Hernando)	52	46	6%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	54	52	2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Explorer K-8)	42	32	10%
6th Grade Mathematics (Hernando)	53	43	10%
6th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	55	49	6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Explorer K-8)	50	44	6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Hernando)	53	47	6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	52	48	4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Explorer K-8)	61	43	18%
7th Grade Mathematics (Hernando)	62	56	6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	54	46	8%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Explorer K-8)	38	21	17%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Hernando)	53	38	15%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	49	7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Explorer K-8)	17	27	10%
8th Grade Mathematics (Hernando)	50	34	16%
8th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	46	42	4%
8th Grade Science (Explorer K-8)	46	37	9%
8th Grade Science (Hernando)	54	43	11%
8th Grade Science (Florida)	48	44	4%
End of Course Civics (Explorer K-8)	76	52	24%
End of Course Civics (Hernando)	75	61	14%
End of Course Civics (Florida)	71	66	5%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Explorer K-8)	72	84	12%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Hernando)	59	53	6%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Florida)	62	54	8%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1695	1617	4.6%
African American	139	172	23.7%
American Indian	12	7	41.7%
Asian	17	19	11.8%
Hispanic	524	558	6.5%
Pacific Islander	2	3	50%
White	901	751	16.6%
Two or More Races	100	107	7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	64.1%	68.8%	4.6%

Schools Near Explorer K-8

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)							FAST Math (2024)						Statewide Science Science (2024)		EOC Algebra 1 (2024)	EOC Geometry (2024)	EOC Civics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 9th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Explorer K-8	Public	PK, KG-8	10252 Northcliffe Blvd	Spring Hill	34608	Hernando County	Hernando	No	No	No	Yes	(352) 797-7094	1,578	107	14.7	75.5%	729 (46.2%)	160 (10.1%)	574 (36.4%)	17 (1.1%)	4 (0.3%)	2 (0.1%)	92 (5.8%)	24.2	1786^th of 2256 public elementary schools	20.8%		26.1	1712^th of 2240 public elementary schools	23.6%	74	40.0	31.0	33.0	52.0	46.0	21.0	85.0	52.0	27.0	23.0	50.0	44.0	56.0	42.0	31.0	75.0		66.0	$10,302	$1,961	$8,341
Gulf Coast Elementary School	Public, Charter	K-5	10444 Tillery Rd	Spring Hill	34608	Hernando County	Hernando	Yes	No	No	No	(352) 688-5092	112	4	28.0	42.0%	72 (64.3%)	1 (0.9%)	35 (31.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (3.6%)	72.7	578^th of 2256 public elementary schools	74.4%		70.5	620^th of 2240 public elementary schools	72.3%	42	76.0	45.0	65.0					68.0	68.0	70.0				65.0					$10,938	$3,387	$7,551
Spring Hill Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6001 Mariner Blvd	Spring Hill	34609	Hernando County	Hernando	No	No	No	Yes	(352) 797-7030	893	55	16.2	70.8%	446 (49.9%)	56 (6.3%)	305 (34.2%)	9 (1.0%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	74 (8.3%)	41.4	1304^th of 2256 public elementary schools	42.2%		40.7	1318^th of 2240 public elementary schools	41.2%	14	47.0	55.0	51.0					47.0	61.0	44.0				47.0					$10,533	$1,948	$8,585
John D. Floyd Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3139 Dumont Ave	Spring Hill	34609	Hernando County	Hernando	No	No	No	Yes	(352) 797-7055	955	61	15.6	69.4%	452 (47.3%)	68 (7.1%)	369 (38.6%)	14 (1.5%)	3 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	48 (5.0%)	33.3	1530^th of 2256 public elementary schools	32.2%		42.7	1264^th of 2240 public elementary schools	43.6%	266	53.0	39.0	43.0					54.0	36.0	42.0				49.0					$10,465	$1,819	$8,646
Deltona Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2055 Deltona Blvd	Spring Hill	34606	Hernando County	Hernando	No	No	No	Yes	(352) 797-7040	855	61	14.0	76.5%	447 (52.3%)	45 (5.3%)	310 (36.3%)	5 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.2%)	46 (5.4%)	34.6	1500^th of 2256 public elementary schools	33.5%		51.4	1066^th of 2240 public elementary schools	52.4%	434	54.0	48.0	43.0					62.0	43.0	32.0				44.0					$11,675	$2,279	$9,397
Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-8	13400 Elgin Blvd	Spring Hill	34609	Hernando County	Hernando	No	Yes	No	No	(352) 797-7024	1,467	86	17.0	36.4%	963 (65.6%)	48 (3.3%)	314 (21.4%)	43 (2.9%)	2 (0.1%)	2 (0.1%)	95 (6.5%)	91.2	137^th of 2256 public elementary schools	93.9%		90.8	153^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	93.2%	16	77.0	79.0	76.0	85.0	78.0	74.0	98.0	86.0	79.0	79.0	78.0	85.0	95.0	86.0	80.0	98.0	100.0	91.0	$10,390	$1,356	$9,032
Suncoast Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	11135 Quality Dr	Spring Hill	34609	Hernando County	Hernando	No	No	No	Yes	(352) 797-7085	921	58	15.8	68.9%	482 (52.3%)	44 (4.8%)	322 (35.0%)	14 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	59 (6.4%)	49.1	1111^th of 2256 public elementary schools	50.8%		59.7	849^th of 2240 public elementary schools	62.1%	262	60.0	54.0	47.0					62.0	63.0	41.0				49.0					$9,670	$1,707	$7,964
Shady Hills Elementary School	Public	K-5	18000 Shady Hills Rd	Spring Hill	34610	Pasco County	Pasco	No	No	No	Yes	(772) 774-4100	487	32	15.4	69.4%	356 (73.1%)	14 (2.9%)	79 (16.2%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	35 (7.2%)	48.7	1119^th of 2256 public elementary schools	50.4%		51	1075^th of 2240 public elementary schools	52.0%	44	52.0	45.0	45.0					44.0	61.0	71.0				57.0					$11,329	$2,238	$9,092
Westside Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	5400 Applegate Dr	Spring Hill	34606	Hernando County	Hernando	No	No	No	Yes	(352) 797-7080	535	38	14.0	78.5%	331 (61.9%)	33 (6.2%)	136 (25.4%)	5 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (5.6%)	44.9	1220^th of 2256 public elementary schools	45.9%		46.7	1172^nd of 2240 public elementary schools	47.7%	48	53.0	42.0	41.0					65.0	59.0	45.0				54.0					$13,091	$2,364	$10,728
Chocachatti Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	4135 California St	Brooksville	34604	Hernando County	Hernando	No	Yes	No	No	(352) 797-7067	775	49	15.8	44.3%	477 (61.5%)	37 (4.8%)	199 (25.7%)	13 (1.7%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	47 (6.1%)	82.9	344^th of 2256 public elementary schools	84.8%		85.7	273^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	87.8%	71	64.0	62.0	71.0					76.0	77.0	80.0				75.0					$10,591	$1,224	$9,366

Frequently Asked Questions about Explorer K-8

What schools do graduates of Explorer K-8 attend?

Students who attend Explorer K-8 usually go on to attend:

High : Frank W. Springstead High School

Is Explorer K-8 a good school?

Explorer K-8 ranks in the bottom 20.8% of Florida elementary schools.

How many students attend Explorer K-8?

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,578 students attended Explorer K-8.

What is the racial makeup of Explorer K-8?

Students at Explorer K-8 are 46% White, 36% Hispanic, 10% African American, 6% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

What district is Explorer K-8 in?

Hernando

Rate Explorer K-8!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

FLFlorida Elementary School Rankings

FLFlorida District Rankings

Schools in Spring Hill, FL

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Explorer K-8!

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.