Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Elementary Schools in 33809 (Lakeland, FL) (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 33809 Florida Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 2,444 students in 33809, FL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 33809, FL are Wendell Watson Elementary School, Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School and Lake Gibson Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 33809 have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Florida public elementary school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 53% statewide average). Elementary schools in 33809, FL have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public elementary school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best 33809, FL Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wendell Watson Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
6800 Walt Williams Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6060
Gr: PK-5 | 764 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
110 Leelon Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6044
Gr: PK-5 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #33.
Lake Gibson Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
6901 Socrum Loop Rd N
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6151
Gr: 6-8 | 1,149 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 58%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 33809, FL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 33809, FL include Wendell Watson Elementary School, Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School and Lake Gibson Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 33809?
3 public elementary schools are located in 33809.
What is the racial composition of students in 33809?
33809 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public elementary schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (FL):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: