Serving 1,578 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Explorer K-8 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 41% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 1,578 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Explorer K-8's student population of 1,578 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,578 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowered to be the BEST you can be!
School Rankings
Explorer K-8 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 Explorer K-8 is 0.64, 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
#2547 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
37%
37%
Black
10%
21%
White
46%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Explorer K-8's ranking?
Explorer K-8 is ranked #2547 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Explorer K-8?
1,578 students attend Explorer K-8.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Explorer K-8 students are White, 37% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Explorer K-8?
Explorer K-8 has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Explorer K-8 offer ?
Explorer K-8 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Explorer K-8 part of?
Explorer K-8 is part of Hernando School District.
School Reviews
5 2/8/2021
I went to Explorer from kindergarten to eighth grade I quite enjoyed the school. It had its ups and downs, just like everything in life does. That school is a family, and I was happy to be a part of that family. Of course, time caught up, and I graduated as a bobcat and moved on to a shark at Nature Coast Technical High School. I one hundred percent recommend enrolling at Explorer. The school is really great for academics my skills have improved so much as well as I started learning everything I know at this school. Overall, a great school a great environment and a great place to grow up.
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