Lakeland Senior High School, opened in 1902, is the oldest public high school in Lakeland, Florida, United States. The school was originally located on North Florida Avenue and was destroyed by fire in 1927. It is part of Polk County Public Schools. Lakeland Senior High School was the original high school in the city.
Serving 1,985 students in grades 9-12, Lakeland Senior High 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 28% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 53% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,985 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 50% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 53% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 64% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lakeland Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Lakeland Senior High School's student population of 1,985 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 103 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,985 students
Total Classroom Teachers
103 teachers
Year Founded
1889
Colors
Black, Orange
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lakeland Senior High 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 Lakeland Senior High School is 0.70, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2375 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
30%
38%
Black
25%
21%
White
39%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Dreadnaughts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lakeland Senior High School's ranking?
Lakeland Senior High School is ranked #2375 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Lakeland Senior High School often compared to?
Lakeland Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like George W. Jenkins Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 53% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lakeland Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Lakeland Senior High School is 88%, which is higher than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Lakeland Senior High School?
1,985 students attend Lakeland Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Lakeland Senior High School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lakeland Senior High School?
Lakeland Senior High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Lakeland Senior High School offer ?
Lakeland Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lakeland Senior High School part of?
Lakeland Senior High School is part of Polk School District.
In what neighborhood is Lakeland Senior High School located?
Lakeland Senior High School is located in the Lake Horney neighborhood of Lakeland, FL.
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