Best Schools in Lake Wales, Florida
14 schools · 5 Elementary · 3 Middle · 3 High · 3 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.3/10
- Median household income
- $51,405
- Median home value
- $199,200
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 21%
- Avg commute
- 28 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 66%
21% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Lake Wales compares
Florida rank
#155 of 280
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.0
below Florida avg (6.4)
Median household income
$51k
69% of Florida median
Schools in this city
14
About Schools in Lake Wales, Florida
Lake Wales, Florida is home to 14 schools, including 10 public schools and 4 private schools. The city's schools span 5 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.3 out of 10, schools in Lake Wales show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Lake Wales is The Vanguard School with a composite score of 9.2/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Lake Wales is served by 1 school district: POLK. These districts collectively serve 111,041 students.
Lake Wales's community shows 21% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $51,405. The poverty rate in the area is 23.1%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
5 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 665 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.5 | ||
| 2 | 547 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.6 | ||
| 3 | 534 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.7 | ||
| 4 | 430 students · Pre-K–5th | 5.8 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | CANAAN ACADEMY
Private
39 students · Kindergarten–8th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 666 students · 6th–10th | 5.9 |
| 2 | 627 students · 6th–8th | 4.9 |
| 3 | 670 students · 6th–8th | 4.6 |
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 277 students · 6th–12th | 6.6 | ||
| 2 | 1,599 students · 9th–12th | 5.3 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | THE VANGUARD SCHOOL
Private
103 students · 6th–12th | Not Rated | ||
Other Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 314 students · Pre-K–12th | 6.3 | ||
| Private Schools 2 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | CANDLELIGHT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Private
184 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | 52 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Lake Wales
Lake Wales, Florida · 14 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 2 ZIP codes
Median Income
$51,405
Median Home Value
$199,200
Median Rent
$1,099/mo
Population
23,212
College Educated
21%
Homeownership
66%
Avg Commute
28 min
Poverty Rate
23.1%
Community Profile
Lake Wales has a median household income of $51,405. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $199,200, with a median rent of $1,099/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Florida
- Total Schools
- 14
- Elementary
- 5
- Middle
- 3
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 6.3/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Florida
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Lake Wales, Florida
How many schools are in Lake Wales, Florida?
Lake Wales has 14 schools, including 10 public and 4 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Lake Wales, Florida?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Lake Wales is 6.3 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Lake Wales, Florida?
The top-ranked school in Lake Wales on MySchoolScout is The Vanguard School with a composite score of 9.2/10.
What is the best elementary school in Lake Wales, Florida?
The top-ranked elementary school in Lake Wales on MySchoolScout is Hillcrest Elementary School with a composite score of 8.5/10.
What is the best middle school in Lake Wales, Florida?
The top-ranked middle school in Lake Wales on MySchoolScout is Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence with a composite score of 5.9/10.
What is the best high school in Lake Wales, Florida?
The top-ranked high school in Lake Wales on MySchoolScout is The Vanguard School with a composite score of 9.2/10.
How many school districts serve Lake Wales, Florida?
Lake Wales is served by 1 school district: Polk.
What is the education level in Lake Wales, Florida?
According to Census data, 21% of adults in Lake Wales have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Lake Wales, Florida?
The median household income in Lake Wales is approximately $51,405 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Lake Wales, Florida?
Yes, Lake Wales has 4 private schools alongside 10 public schools. The top-rated private school is The Vanguard School with a score of 9.2/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Lake Wales, Florida?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Lake Wales is 15.5:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Lake Wales, Florida?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Florida Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.