Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools cover picture shows a teacher dressed in a green shirt with a white board behind her with writing on it.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools

In addition, when it comes to elementary education, parents understandably want the best for their children. Fortunately, the St. Petersburg area offers two standout options that consistently rank among the top elementary schools in Florida. Additionally, these exceptional institutions are Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School and Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School

Pasadena Fundamental is a public elementary school serving grades K-5. First of all, it has earned an A rating from the Florida Department of Education for over a decade. Secondly, the school prides itself on its strong academic focus and structured learning environment. Moreover, students must follow a strict dress code and code of conduct. Furthermore, parental involvement is highly encouraged through volunteer opportunities and organizations.
In particular, the curriculum at Pasadena emphasizes core subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Also, the school offers gifted programs, as well as special education services. Besides that, extracurricular activities include art, music, physical education, and after-school clubs. In summary, with its academic rigor and supportive community, Pasadena aims to challenge students and prepare them for future success.

Additionally, one of the standout features of Pasadena is its “Fundamental” philosophy. For example, this means a back-to-basics approach to education with clearly defined expectations. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on student accountability, homework, and traditional teaching methods. In addition, the fundamental model aims to provide structure and consistency. As a result, many families are drawn to Pasadena’s traditional values and high standards.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Test Scores and Ratings

Pasadena’s exceptional performance is reflected in its impressive test scores and ratings. In addition to maintaining an A grade from the state year after year, the school ranks among the top 5% of all Florida elementary schools based on state assessment data. What’s more, Pasadena has earned a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org, which rates schools based on test scores and other factors. As a matter of fact, the school’s students consistently outperform state and district averages on the Florida Standards Assessments in English, math, and science.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Facilities and Resources

Despite being an older school built in 1925, Pasadena’s facilities are well-maintained and equipped with modern resources. In particular, the campus features spacious classrooms, a media center, computer labs, art rooms, and playgrounds. In summary, Pasadena provides the space and tools needed to facilitate engaged and interactive learning.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School

Like Pasadena, Gulf Beaches Elementary is a top-ranked public school serving grades K-5 in St. Petersburg. In fact, it has also maintained an A rating for over a decade based on its exemplary student achievement data. Moreover, Gulf Beaches distinguishes itself through its unique magnet program focused on world studies.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  The World Studies Magnet

As a magnet school, Gulf Beaches has a specialized curriculum centered around global education and cultural awareness. For instance, students take Spanish language classes starting in kindergarten. In addition, they learn about different countries, cultures, and global issues through hands-on activities and projects. To summarize, the goal is to develop students’ knowledge, curiosity, and respect for world cultures and diversity.
What’s more, Gulf Beaches aims to provide an enriched, advanced academic environment through its magnet program. For example, there is an accelerated pace of learning tailored to gifted and high-achieving students’ needs. Also, critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills are emphasized across subjects. In brief, the world studies magnet challenges students while nurturing their intellect and broadening their worldviews.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Immersive Learning Opportunities

Furthermore, Gulf Beaches offers many unique experiences to immerse students in the world studies curriculum. For one thing, the school hosts an annual International Study Night where students showcase different countries through displays, performances, and activities. Moreover, they have the chance to participate in global classrooms through video conferences with partner schools around the world. Additionally, Gulf Beaches brings in guest speakers, authors, and dancers to share their cultures. In essence, these interactive and enriching opportunities deepen students’ global learning.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Beyond Academics

Like other top schools, Gulf Beaches provides a well-rounded experience beyond just academics. To begin with, the school has art, music, and physical education as part of the core curriculum. Additionally, there are afterschool clubs focused on topics like STEM, robotics, environmental science, chess, and theatre. Gulf Beaches also has partnerships with cultural organizations in the Tampa Bay area for field trips and events. In summary, students can develop diverse talents and interests through comprehensive programming.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Modern Facilities

Though recently renovated and expanded, Gulf Beaches maintains an optimal class size of around 20 students per teacher. Additionally, the updated campus features smart classrooms with interactive technology, a media center, computer labs, playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art and music classes. In other words, Gulf Beaches has state-of-the-art facilities to support its robust academic and enrichment programming.

 

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Test Scores and Community Support

Gulf Beaches’ strong community support and exceptional test scores are further hallmarks of its success. For one thing, the school has earned top ratings of 10/10 from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com. In fact, it is ranked the #1 public elementary school in Pinellas County by Niche based on factors like academics, teachers, resources, and student life. Moreover, Gulf Beaches regularly outperforms district and state averages on standardized tests by a significant margin. Clearly, the magnet program is effectively challenging and educating students.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School

Like Pasadena, Gulf Beaches Elementary is a top-ranked public school serving grades K-5 in St. Petersburg. In fact, it has also maintained an A rating for over a decade based on its exemplary student achievement data. Moreover, Gulf Beaches distinguishes itself through its unique magnet program focused on world studies.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  The World Studies Magnet

As a magnet school, Gulf Beaches has a specialized curriculum centered around global education and cultural awareness. For instance, students take Spanish language classes starting in kindergarten. In addition, they learn about different countries, cultures, and global issues through hands-on activities and projects. To summarize, the goal is to develop students’ knowledge, curiosity, and respect for world cultures and diversity.

What’s more, Gulf Beaches aims to provide an enriched, advanced academic environment through its magnet program. For example, there is an accelerated pace of learning tailored to gifted and high-achieving students’ needs. Also, critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills are emphasized across subjects. In brief, the world studies magnet challenges students while nurturing their intellect and broadening their worldviews.

Gulf Beaches has very high standards for student acceptance into their magnet program. Students must meet certain requirements based on grades, test scores, behavior, attendance, and an application to be admitted. The competition is fierce, with over 600 applicants vying for around 120 open seats each year.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Immersive Learning Opportunities

Furthermore, Gulf Beaches offers many unique experiences to immerse students in the world studies curriculum. For one thing, the school hosts an annual International Study Night where students showcase different countries through displays, performances, and activities. Moreover, they have the chance to participate in global classrooms through video conferences with partner schools around the world. Additionally, Gulf Beaches brings in guest speakers, authors, and dancers to share their cultures. In essence, these interactive and enriching opportunities deepen students’ global learning.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Beyond Academics

Like other top schools, Gulf Beaches provides a well-rounded experience beyond just academics. To begin with, the school has art, music, and physical education as part of the core curriculum. Additionally, there are afterschool clubs focused on topics like STEM, robotics, environmental science, chess, and theatre. Gulf Beaches also has partnerships with cultural organizations in the Tampa Bay area for field trips and events. In summary, students can develop diverse talents and interests through comprehensive programming.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Modern Facilities

Though recently renovated and expanded, Gulf Beaches maintains an optimal class size of around 20 students per teacher. Additionally, the updated campus features smart classrooms with interactive technology, a media center, computer labs, playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art and music classes. In other words, Gulf Beaches has state-of-the-art facilities to support its robust academic and enrichment programming.

Top 2 St Petersburg Elementary Schools:  Test Scores and Community Support

Gulf Beaches’ strong community support and exceptional test scores are further hallmarks of its success. For one thing, the school has earned top ratings of 10/10 from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com. In fact, it is ranked the #1 public elementary school in Pinellas County by Niche based on factors like academics, teachers, resources, and student life. Moreover, Gulf Beaches regularly outperforms district and state averages on standardized tests by a significant margin. Clearly, the magnet program is effectively challenging and educating students.

The active Gulf Beaches PTA provides invaluable support through volunteer initiatives and fundraising efforts. For example, they raise funds for classroom technology, teacher grants, field trips, and school events. Furthermore, the PTA promotes community involvement by organizing family activities and outreach programs. With such an engaged parent community, it’s no surprise Gulf Beaches has cultivated an exceptional learning environment.

Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School

Pasadena Fundamental is a public magnet elementary school serving grades K-5 located in St. Petersburg, FL, which is in a large city setting. First of all, it has earned an A rating from the Florida Department of Education for over a decade. Secondly, the school prides itself on its strong academic focus and structured learning environment. Moreover, students must follow a strict dress code and code of conduct. Furthermore, parental involvement is highly encouraged through volunteer opportunities and organizations.

The student population of Pasadena Fundamental is 455. Additionally, the school’s minority student enrollment is 30% and it enrolls 28% economically disadvantaged students. Also, the student body consists of 51% female students and 49% male students. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, which matches the district average, Pasadena has 28 equivalent full-time teachers and 1 full-time school counselor.

In particular, the curriculum at Pasadena emphasizes core subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Also, the school offers gifted programs, as well as special education services. Besides that, extracurricular activities include art, music, physical education, and after-school clubs. In summary, with its academic rigor and supportive community, Pasadena aims to challenge students and prepare them for future success.

Test Scores and Rankings

Pasadena’s exceptional performance is reflected in its impressive test scores and high rankings. At the school, 82% of students scored proficient or above in math, compared to 52% in the district and 48% statewide. Similarly, 74% scored proficient or above in reading, outperforming the 48% district rate and 49% state rate.

Thanks to these stellar assessment results, Pasadena Fundamental Elementary ranks #176 out of all elementary schools in Florida based on test performance and college preparation metrics according to U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks #7 within Pinellas County elementary schools and #30 among Florida magnet elementary schools specifically.

Choosing the Right Fit

While both schools are stellar options, the decision may come down to the type of learning environment parents prefer for their child. On one hand, Pasadena offers a more traditional, structured educational model focused on fundamentals and discipline. On the other hand, Gulf Beaches has an enriched, globally-minded magnet curriculum with more unique, interactive learning opportunities. Either way, families can feel confident their children will receive an excellent, well-rounded education at these elite St. Petersburg elementary schools. Rather than stress over making the “best” choice, the key is finding the right fit based on the child’s needs, interests, and learning style.

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About the Author
Rob Johnson
Realtor, St. Petersburg FL