The Fessenden Elementary School, a historic school previously known as Fessenden Academy, was founded in 1868 on the outskirts of Ocala, Florida, between Martin and Zuber. Since the 1950s, it has been part of the Marion County Public Schools district.
Serving 431 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Fessenden 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 25-29% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 431 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Fessenden Elementary School's student population of 431 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
431 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Rankings
Fessenden 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 Fessenden Elementary School is 0.72, which is more 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
#3123 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
35%
37%
Black
29%
21%
White
28%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tiger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fessenden Elementary School's ranking?
Fessenden Elementary School is ranked #3123 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Fessenden Elementary School often compared to?
Fessenden Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Anthony Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Fessenden Elementary School?
431 students attend Fessenden Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Fessenden Elementary School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are Black, 28% of students are White, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fessenden Elementary School?
Fessenden Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Fessenden Elementary School offer ?
Fessenden Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fessenden Elementary School part of?
Fessenden Elementary School is part of Marion School District.
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