- WEST PORT HIGH SCHOOL — 4.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 3,022 students
- INA A.COLEN ACADEMY — 4.7 mi · Grades K–8 · 546 students
- SADDLEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 7.1 mi · Grades PK–5 · 1,007 students
- DUNNELLON HIGH SCHOOL — 7.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,562 students
- LIBERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL — 7.3 mi · Grades 6–8 · 1,171 students
- DUNNELLON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 7.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 644 students
- HAMMETT BOWEN JR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 7.5 mi · Grades PK–5 · 1,010 students
- ROMEO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 8.5 mi · Grades PK–5 · 747 students
| Metric | Marion County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 44,493 | 3,544 | Much larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 63 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,943/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 32% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 74 rated districts in FL → 21st percentile → 3/10.
Source: Florida Dept. of Education FAST ELA & Mathematics, 2024. Full methodology →
About Marion County School District
Zip code 34481 in Marion, Florida is served by Marion County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Marion County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Marion County School District ranks among Florida’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Florida’s FAST ELA & Mathematics assessments (2024 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Florida is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Marion County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Florida benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 34481
Children in zip code 34481 are assigned to Marion County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 34481, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Marion County School District at (352)671-7700. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Florida districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Ocala
For families considering a purchase in the Ocala area, district assignment matters financially. Because Marion County School District serves zip code 34481, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 34481. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Florida, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Marion County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 34481.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Marion County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 34481 data.