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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Hardee County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,725 students in Hardee County, FL (there are 3 private schools, serving 56 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Hardee County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hardee County, FL are Wauchula Elementary School, North Wauchula Elementary School and Bowling Green Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hardee County, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Hardee County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Hardee County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wauchula Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
400 S Florida Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3141
Gr: PK-5 | 577 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #22.
North Wauchula Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1120 N Florida Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-2183
Gr: PK-5 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #33.
Bowling Green Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4530 Church Ave
Bowling Green, FL 33834
(863) 773-5471
Gr: PK-5 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #44.
Zolfo Springs Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3215 School House Rd
Zolfo Springs, FL 33890
(863) 773-5473
Gr: PK-5 | 512 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #55.
Hilltop Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2401 Us Highway 17 N
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-2750
Gr: PK-5 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #66.
Hardee Virtual Franchise
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1009 N 6th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-12 | 52 students Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #77.
Hardee Junior High School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2401 Us Highway 17 N
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3147
Gr: 6-12 | 958 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #88.
Hardee Senior High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
830 Altman Rd
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3181
Gr: 9-12 | 1,347 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #99.
Pioneer Career Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
200 S Florida Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 735-2300
Gr: 6-12 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: n/an/a
Hardee Virtual Instruction Program
1009 N 6th Th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Hardee Virtual Instruction Program (District Provided)
1009 N 6th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-5

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Hardee County, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Hardee County, FL include Wauchula Elementary School, North Wauchula Elementary School and Bowling Green Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hardee County?
11 public schools are located in Hardee County.
What percentage of students in Hardee County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Hardee County are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hardee County?
Hardee County public schools minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Hardee County are often viewed compared to one another?

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