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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 33853 Florida Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 5,907 students in 33853, FL (there are 4 private schools, serving 370 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 33853, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in 33853, FL are Hillcrest Elementary School, Edward W Bok Academy North and Lake Wales Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 33853 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 33853, FL have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best 33853, FL Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillcrest Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1051 State Road 60 E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Gr: PK-5 | 667 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Edward W Bok Academy North
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
401 N 4th St
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 638-1010
Gr: 6-8 | 726 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #33.
Lake Wales Senior High School
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1 Highlander Way
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4222
Gr: 9-12 | 1,597 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Janie Howard Wilson School
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
306 Florida Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4211
Gr: PK-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #55.
Spook Hill Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
321 Dr Ja Wiltshire Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4262
Gr: PK-5 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #66.
Polk Avenue Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
110 Polk Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4244
Gr: PK-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #77.
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence
(Math: 23% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
800 4th St S
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4233
Gr: 6-11 | 758 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #88.
Victory Ridge Academy
Special Education School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
501 Burns Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-3338
Gr: PK-12 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #99.
Roosevelt Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
115 E St
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4252
Gr: 6-12 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 33853, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in 33853, FL include Hillcrest Elementary School, Edward W Bok Academy North and Lake Wales Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in 33853?
9 public schools are located in 33853.
What percentage of students in 33853 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 33853 are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in 33853?
33853 public schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

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